March 20--The Federal Aviation Administration has proposed new regulations covering the airspace above East Hampton Airport, a necessary step before the airport's new seasonal control tower can begin operating around Memorial Day.
Published last week in the Federal Register, the technical regulations define the airspace under control of the tower and would increase the town's ability to limit noise from airplanes and helicopters.
"It's great news for all the residents of East Hampton, especially those who live around the airport," said town Councilman Dominick J. Stanzione.
"It's further evidence of the efforts we are making to adjust the helicopter noise . . . This is absolutely going to make it quieter," he said.
The proposed FAA regulations, which are subject to public comment until April 30, will go into effect for the limited time the seasonal tower is in operation, after which the airspace will revert to its former noncontrolled status.
Most aircraft arrivals and departures at the town-owned airport occur in summer, and Stanzione said the tower -- a portable trailer filled with sophisticated electronic and communications equipment -- is likely to remain in operation until sometime in October.
Airspace around East Hampton Airport is Class E, or unregulated. The proposal creates a regulated area with a 4.8-mile radius around the airport up to 2,500 feet.
Stanzione said controllers will be able to keep arriving aircraft at a higher altitude longer, reducing the noise. Departing planes can also be directed to climb more steeply and their flight paths can be directed away from developed areas.
Copyright 2012 - Newsday, Melville, N.Y.
