Ruth Haines
While state governors do not have control over their airspace, they may have control over landing sites, i.e., airports. In the case of New York Stewart International Airport, Governor Kathy Hochul addressed the shutdown of the airport caused by drone activity. Similarly, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo demanded that President Trump reopen the government in the face of the growing threat to airport security due to the shutdown. In another instance, opponents of the South Suburban Airport urged gubernatorial candidates to shut down the airport.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Can a governor shut down an airport? | Yes, a governor can close an airport to takeoffs and landings, but this could be challenged in court. |
| Can a governor shut down the airspace? | No, the FAA controls the airspace. |
| Can a governor shut down an airport due to security concerns? | Yes, a governor can shut down an airport if there are security concerns, such as drone activity. |
| Can a governor shut down an airport due to economic concerns? | Yes, a governor can shut down an airport if it is deemed economically harmful or a waste of money. |
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What You'll Learn
Governors can close airports due to safety concerns
In another instance, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo of New York issued a letter to President Trump, demanding that he reopen the government due to the threat to airport security. The letter stated that the government shutdown had caused a reduction in services and personnel at airports, which was jeopardizing the safety of air travel. The percentage of TSA officers with unscheduled absences had more than doubled, and staffing for air traffic controllers was already at record lows.
While state governors do not have control over their airspace, they do have authority over landing sites, or airports. This means that governors can close airports to takeoffs and landings, although they could potentially be challenged in court depending on the circumstances.
In the case of the New York drone sightings, Governor Hochul called for federal assistance and urged Congress to pass the Counter-UAS Authority Security, Safety, and Reauthorization Act. This bill would strengthen the FAA's oversight of drones and extend counter-UAS activities to select state and local law enforcement agencies.
Additionally, opponents of the proposed South Suburban Airport in Chicago have urged gubernatorial candidates to "shut this airport nightmare down." They argue that the airport would require massive surrounding infrastructure and that the state cannot afford to build it.
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Governors cannot close airspace
State and local governments are not permitted to regulate aircraft operations, such as flight paths, altitudes, or the navigable airspace. These regulations are under the purview of the FAA, which is responsible for managing aeronautical information and ensuring aviation safety.
In the case of New York Stewart International Airport, Governor Kathy Hochul addressed the shutdown caused by drone activity in the airspace. The governor called for federal assistance and urged Congress to pass legislation granting state law enforcement the authority to counter drone incursions. However, the governor did not have the authority to close the airspace herself.
While governors may influence aviation-related matters by advocating for specific policies or expressing concerns, the power to regulate airspace rests with the federal government and its designated agencies, such as the FAA. This separation of powers ensures that aviation safety and efficient airspace management are standardized and consistent across the nation.
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Drone activity can force an airport to shut down
Drone activity has become a growing concern for airports, with the potential to cause significant disruptions, as seen in the recent shutdown of a major airport in New York. Governor Kathy Hochul addressed the issue, highlighting the need for federal assistance as drone sightings forced the closure of runways at New York Stewart International Airport in Orange County. This incident lasted for about an hour on a Friday night, with the governor expressing frustration and stating, "This has gone too far."
The presence of drones in close proximity to airports poses a serious safety risk to aircraft and can lead to temporary closures of runways and airspace. In the New York incident, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) slowed air traffic and the airport received a report of a drone sighting, prompting the closure. While there were no reported safety impacts on aircraft, the drone activity disrupted normal operations.
Similar incidents have occurred at other airports and Air Force bases across the United States. For instance, drone sightings forced the closure of airspace at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio for approximately four hours. Additionally, police in Boston arrested individuals flying drones dangerously close to Logan Airport, underscoring the potential dangers posed by unauthorized drone operations near airports.
The increasing prevalence of drone sightings has prompted calls for stronger regulations and enforcement measures. Governor Hochul directed the New York State Intelligence Center to investigate drone sightings and urged Congress to pass legislation granting state law enforcement the authority to counter drone threats. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has also received thousands of tips related to drone sightings, indicating the widespread nature of the issue.
As drone technology becomes more accessible and prevalent, addressing the challenges posed by unauthorized drone activity near airports becomes increasingly crucial. The safety of aircraft, passengers, and personnel is paramount, and authorities must continue to adapt and implement effective measures to mitigate the risks associated with drone incursions.
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Federal government shutdowns can impact airport operations
Federal government shutdowns can have a significant impact on airport operations, causing disruptions and delays for travellers. During a shutdown, many Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) employees are furloughed, including air traffic controllers, inspectors, and trainees, leading to staff shortages and reduced operational capacity. This can result in longer wait times at airports and potential flight delays or cancellations.
In the past, government shutdowns have led to a rise in unscheduled absences among Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers and air traffic controllers, who are often expected to work without pay. This not only impacts the efficiency of airport security checkpoints but also raises concerns about the safety of air travel. The financial strain on these essential workers may lead to an increased number of callouts, as seen during the 2019 government shutdown, where the percentage of TSA officers with unscheduled absences more than doubled.
Additionally, a shutdown can halt the hiring and training of new air traffic controllers, exacerbating staffing shortages and potentially affecting the safe flow of planes on the ground and in the air. The suspension of new pilot training certifications during a shutdown further adds to the challenges faced by the aviation industry.
The impact of federal government shutdowns on airport operations highlights the importance of fully funding government operations and addressing budget and appropriations processes to prevent disruptions to air travel and ensure the safety and security of passengers.
While governors do not have the direct authority to shut down airports, they can play a role in advocating for federal assistance and expressing concerns about the impact of shutdowns on airport operations and safety within their states, as demonstrated by Governor Andrew M. Cuomo of New York during the 2019 government shutdown.
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Local opposition can influence airport development plans
While a governor cannot shut down an airport, local opposition can influence airport development plans. Airport development is a complex process that involves various stakeholders, including local communities, governments, and developers. Local opposition to airport projects can have a significant impact on their outcome, as demonstrated by several cases where a small but well-organized minority of residents have successfully blocked or altered major airport development plans.
One notable example is the rejected proposal for the El Torro commercial airport conversion in California. In this case, a small group of residents from Southern Orange County successfully prevented the conversion of a marine base into a commercial airport, despite strong support for the project. The residents cited concerns about maintaining property values, noise pollution, and environmental impacts, and they effectively mobilized support from local governments and community leaders, showcasing the influence of local opposition in shaping airport development decisions.
Local opposition can stem from various factors, such as concerns about noise pollution, environmental impacts, and property values. For instance, the noise generated by jet airports can affect areas far beyond the airport boundaries, impacting a large number of residents. Additionally, airports can attract economic activities and generate traffic, leading to potential changes in existing land-use patterns and metropolitan structures. These indirect effects of airport development highlight the importance of considering the broader context and involving communities in the planning process.
To address local opposition and minimize its impact on airport development plans, developers, and governments must engage in effective community outreach and issue advocacy. This includes informing and educating residents about the project, addressing their concerns, and seeking their input to build consensus. By proactively involving the public and working with local governments, developers can better navigate the complexities of airport development and secure the support needed to move forward with their projects.
Furthermore, the success of local opposition in influencing airport development plans underscores the need for coordination between different levels of government. Airport planning often transcends local political boundaries, as it involves transportation, nuisance, and land use issues that span multiple states. While the federal government is typically the primary source of funding, local governments have significant land-use control powers. Therefore, effective airport planning requires collaboration and coordination between federal, state, and local authorities to balance the various interests and concerns of all stakeholders, including local communities.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, a governor can close an airport to takeoffs and landings, but they do not have the authority to close the airspace.
A governor might shut down an airport due to safety concerns, such as in the case of New York Governor Kathy Hochul, who closed an airport due to mysterious drone activity. Additionally, a governor may shut down an airport due to political or economic reasons, as seen in the case of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo, who demanded that President Trump reopen the government during a shutdown that was putting airport safety at risk.
Yes, a governor can potentially shut down specific areas or operations within an airport, such as landing sites, as these matters involve local control of land and zoning.
No, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has exclusive authority over the airspace and aviation safety. State governors do not have the power to restrict or control the airspace above their state.
