Task force to float new ideas for aviation in New Jersey
New investment in New Jersey’s airport system and an official nod to floatplane access could flow from the work of a task force established to produce a directory of the state’s public-use airports and make recommendations for industry growth.
Gov. Phil Murphy signed a bill January 21 mandating a study of the 42-airport system and producing a comprehensive directory to be published in print and electronic formats, including a mobile edition.
The renewed focus on the state’s airport system comes as good news for aviation in a state that has lost roughly half its airports since the 1950s, said AOPA Eastern Region Manager Sean Collins.
An additional airport, Trinca Airport, a grass strip in Green Township, is expected to close later this year on the expiration of grant obligations, following a vote by the municipality.
Projects awaiting the task force’s attention will include making recommendations for policy changes to support continued operation of airports, and proposing initiatives to increase investment and public interest in aviation, Collins said.
High on the list of the panel’s tasks will be analyzing the feasibility of allowing seaplanes to land on any appropriately sized body of water—to be completed within 60 days of the task force’s first meeting. Seaplane operations are mostly prohibited in New Jersey, according to the Seaplane Pilots Association.
Expanding pilot training and aviation education programs made the list of study assignments. So did removing obstacles in the vicinity of airports.
“In addition to supporting legislation, AOPA aims to assist the task force in understanding, evaluating, and improving the state’s system of airports,” Collins said.
