Eviction notices threaten Aeroflex-Andover Airport

Aviation advocates are escalating efforts to save Aeroflex-Andover Airport in Sussex County; AOPA Vice President of Airports and State Advocacy Leon Jackler and Eastern Regional Manager Sean Collins met with senior advisors to New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill regarding recently issued tenant eviction notices. The New Jersey Forest Fire Service, which operates the airport, has ordered all tenants to vacate the property by December 31. The state intends to demolish the airport's historic hangars, citing "critical repair and condition issues" that were first raised to tenants during a preliminary notification in June. The move has triggered pushback from pilots, local businesses, politicians, and aviation advocates, who argue the hangars are in good condition and vital to the airport's continued operation.

While state officials plan to continue offering outdoor tiedowns for the time being, the lack of sheltered hangar space threatens the airport's active ecosystem. The impending evictions would likely force two businesses, a flight school and an aircraft maintenance shop, to close permanently. Additionally, many of the aircraft based at Aeroflex-Andover, including the flight school's training fleet, are vintage, fabric-covered models that cannot be safely stored outside long-term.

After tenants first learned of their impending eviction in June, AOPA challenged the state's justification for the teardown, arguing that the infrastructure is being mischaracterized. Jackler visited the airport this summer to inspect the property himself and found that while structures need minor repairs, they are far from dilapidated and in excellent overall shape. This position is backed by independent engineers who recently examined the field's infrastructure. Their evaluations contradict what the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, the agency that oversees the Forest Fire Service, said to tenants.

"The effort to preserve Aeroflex-Andover Airport has drawn broad bipartisan support from leaders across the spectrum," said Jackler. During an October visit to Aeroflex-Andover Airport, Rep. Josh Gottheimer (D-N.J.) pointed out that an engineering assessment, commissioned by the state, projects hangar repairs at $4.7 million. This figure is well below the $8 million required for demolition, and the estimated $11 million needed to construct new hangar facilities for the Forest Fire Service. The evictions have also drawn public opposition from several local Republican state lawmakers representing the area. "AOPA looks forward to working with Governor Sherrill, Congressman Gottheimer, and the many other state and local officials who want to see this and other airports across the state thrive," added Jackler.

The possible loss of hangar space comes at a turbulent time for general aviation in the region, with another private airport in the state set to close. Despite the looming December deadline, aviation advocates maintain that their efforts to save the historic hangars will continue. Collins stated, "We heard no indication that the governor wants to shutter local businesses, including Andover Flight Academy, and her team appears to be seeking alternatives to the NJDEP plan. We also urged her staff to hold an in-person meeting with local stakeholders to discuss Aeroflex-Andover and broader concerns about the New Jersey airport system."