TEB Fights BBJs, Singles Dig Deep To Land

Editorial Staff

Sunday, August 03, 2003 at 12:00 AM ET

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Key Takeaways:

Teterboro Airport's operator, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, is resisting FAA pressure to lift its 30-year-old 100,000-pound weight limit, which prevents larger private aircraft like the Boeing Business Jet from using the airport.
The airport is proposing new landing fees that would disproportionately affect smaller aircraft, with a 146% increase for planes under 2500 pounds compared to a 20% increase for mid-sized aircraft.
These measures collectively serve to restrict larger aircraft access and make the airport less appealing for light single-engine planes, while the Port Authority board unanimously supports maintaining the current restrictions.

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How big is too big? For the people who run Teterboro Airport in New Jersey — by some standards the busiest GA airport in the country — the limit is 100,000 pounds, regardless of what the FAA says. The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey says it will fight FAA pressure to allow larger aircraft into the airport, which now caters to bizjets, charters and well-to-do pistons. At the same time, landing fees for the little guys may be disproportionately going through the roof. The Port Authority has maintained the 100,000-pound ban for 30 years. The landing fees may not be a ban, but may also serve a similar function. Teterboro Airport Manager’s Bulletin #03-01, dated July 15, 2003, according one FAA volunteer Aviation Safety Advisor who contacted AVweb, proposes new landing fees that would increase by 146% the charge for an aircraft under 2500 pounds. At the same time, aircraft between 7501 and 12,500 pounds would September 1 see an increase of only 20 percent The weight limit prevents some private aircraft, including the Boeing Business Jet (a 737 weighing 170,000 pounds) from using the airport. The landing fees make it much less than palatable for transient light singles. Rep. Steve Rothman (D-Fair Lawn) told Newsday the FAA wants the BBJ to have access to Teterboro but the Port Authority board is having none of it. The board unanimously passed a resolution asking staff to keep the FAA from having its way. Piston single drivers are still in search of sympathy.