by joe4628@[EMAIL PROTECTED] Apr 27, 2006 at 12:25 PM


Well, as 2 airports a month close in this country it's time to say a sad
good bye to N04. It's a beautiful uncontrolled field just east of BDR
and HVN. Beautiful and right by the water. Tiny field but close to a
main road and a 4 minute walk to the dunkin donunts, bagels, sea food,
exxon.. The C172 made it no problem. (1800-1900 feet long)

This closing is a major bummer.
BTW, this might be a good time to mention that Bader field in Atlantic
City (another uncontrolled field) is closing this year (and aopa can't
stop this one either).

If this trend does not reverse... keeping in mind that past airports
that closed never re-opened.




That is the free market in operation, much to the dismay of AOPA. The
closures of the private fields are evidence that the economics of this
business do not work.

The airports that receive tax subsidies (FAA, state and/or local) are, by
are large, still open. Without the tax subsidies, the charges necessary
to operate a private plane would be beyond many pilots' ability to pay.
The AOPA knows this, but uses absurd arguments and political connections
to keep their hands in the general taxpayers pockets.

But times they are a changin', thanks in large part to internet technology
which helps grass roots organizations fight back against special interest
groups like AOPA.

Long term trends of rising fuel prices, upcoming user fees (direct, or
indirect) necessitated by federal deficit problems, and a growing
population subject to air- and noise-pollution will keep the trend of
closures going strong.

The industry is largely to blame, as it has for years resisted any
reductions in subsidies, or any attempt at public accountability.