(L to R) Bill Dakota, representing the Port Authority, U.S. Congressman Steven Rothman (D-N.J.) and National Air Transportation Association President Jim Coyne are pleased with the “Pledge to the Community” program results.
By Henry M. Holden
In October 2006, the Teterboro Airport Industry Working Group assembled a diverse group of aviation industry professionals who use the airport. Their mission: to bridge the interests of the aviation community and airport neighbors, offering practical solutions that address the concerns of both groups.
As a result, this working group created the “Pledge to the Community” program. Comprised of experienced representatives of the fixed base operators (FBOs), airport users and tenants, and national and local aviation industry associations, the group’s primary goal was to voluntarily ban Stage II aircraft and non-essential nighttime operations between the hours of 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. This was the first all-industry group to step forward to work with its owner, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, and U.S. Congressman Steven Rothman (D-N.J.) to address community concerns. Additional commitments were made cease operations of aircraft exceeding 100,000 pounds and to make Teterboro Airport a national model for general aviation safety while enhancing and refining the security procedures already in place.
At a news conference on Oct. 28, 2008, the Teterboro Airport Industry Working Group announced that more than 300 signatories have joined the “Pledge to the Community” program, which shows significant progress. Since October 2006, Stage II operations have dropped by 43 percent, and nighttime operations are down 16 percent.
“I am quite pleased with the continued progress of this working group’s ‘Pledge to the Community’ program,” said National Air Transportation Association President Jim Coyne, who is also the co-chair of the program. “The significant reduction in Stage II and overnight operations is a testament to the aviation industry’s commitment to this critical initiative.”