The Federal Aviation Administration and Homeland Security have posted a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) on flights within a 30 miles radius of Bedminster, NJ, effective August 3 through August 20. Airports within a 10 mile radius will close completely, however airports outside the 10 mile radius but within the 30 mile radius will remain open conditional to very restrictive operations. This will have a negative impact on many of the general aviation facilities in New Jersey. As the Princeton Airport lies within 30 nautical miles of Bedminster, Airport Manager Ken Nierenberg is pursuing alternatives to minimize this impact.
The State of New Jersey has granted an approximately $550,000 towards crack sealing and crack repair for Princeton Airport’s nearly 20 year old runway and taxi ways. Funding for this safety project comes from a New Jersey aviation fuel tax. Initially this project was scheduled for the fall when airport operations slow down, however Nierenberg has been working to get this project moved up to be completed during the time of the air restrictions.
Starting on August 4th the runway will be closed between 8 AM-4:30 PM.
Additionally it will be closed August 7th through August 11th.
In addition to the runway project, Princeton Flight School has scheduled ground school classes on August 7th through the 11th which will thoroughly cover the necessary information for the Private Pilot’s license. These classes are open to enrolled students at the airport as well as the public . Classes will be held by Princeton Flying School’s accomplished Certified Flight Instructors who love making complicated concepts easy to understand. For information regarding the costs and times, call the airport at 609-921-3100.
“Since the president has been visiting New Jersey more frequently, this has had an adverse effect upon the general aviation community. This is the height of our flying season with the longer days and good weather. Whether it is our students or transients who fly into the Princeton region, we are experiencing dramatic slowdown during these periods. The August restrictions are unprecedented, so we had to find ways to accommodate our base customers with needed improvements. At least they will have a better runway and taxiway when the project is completed. We are asking for everyone’s patience and cooperation as we move forward,” stated Nierenberg.
Violation of the airspace restrictions are severe and the airport has taken extensive measures to make sure that pilots are aware of the times when the Temporary Flight Restriction is in effect with many signs posted on the airfield as well as social media.
By the time the Temporary Flight Restriction expires, the runway renovation should be complete and be good as new.