AOPA Urges NJ Governor to Halt Eviction at Aeroflex/Andover Airport

The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) has called on New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill to intervene in a dispute over hangar evictions at Aeroflex/Andover Airport. The New Jersey Forest Fire Service, which owns the airport, issued eviction notices to tenants to clear the way for construction of a single new hangar dedicated to state firefighters. According to AOPA, this plan would result in the demolition of most existing hangars, jeopardizing critical aviation businesses at the airport and threatening the facility’s future as a public-use asset.

In an urgent letter dated July 8, AOPA Vice President of Airports and State Advocacy Leon Jackler expressed concern about the shrinking number of public-use airports in New Jersey and the consequences of the Forest Fire Service's redevelopment plan. The historic hangars scheduled for demolition currently house the Andover Flight Academy—a key flight school—along with a maintenance shop and many vintage, fabric-covered aircraft. Jackler warned the hangar removals would effectively end both businesses and diminish the airport’s operational capability.

The flight academy serves as a major driver of the Aeroflex/Andover Airport economy, accounting for about 90 percent of airport flight operations and over 80 percent of its fuel sales, which total more than 2,000 gallons purchased monthly. The maintenance shop and flight school together generate vital revenue streams that support airport upkeep and sustainability. Jackler emphasized that losing these tenants would push the airport towards closure, curtailing public access to general aviation and employment opportunities.

Governor Mikie Sherrill, a former U.S. Naval Academy graduate and experienced military helicopter pilot, has unique insight into aviation’s importance. She flew Sikorsky SH–3 Sea King helicopters on missions throughout Europe and the Middle East, according to her official biography. AOPA’s letter highlighted her personal connection to aviation, urging her understanding of the profound impact on local pilots and businesses if access to flying facilities is reduced in New Jersey.

The New Jersey Forest Fire Service announced its redevelopment intent on social media in June, confirming eviction notices had been served and hangar demolition was imminent. This announcement occurred amidst a troubling trend: New Jersey had 82 public-use airports in 1950, but today only 40 remain, including many privately owned. Over half of the state's remaining airport system consists of these private, public-use airfields, which face ongoing pressures from land development, incompatible land uses, and insufficient state funding.

A 2016 study highlighted that general aviation contributes $2.8 billion annually to New Jersey’s economy and supports around 13,000 jobs. Yet, airports across the state confront challenges including airspace hazards and reduced state support. With the threat at Aeroflex/Andover, AOPA seeks to reverse this loss by working with Governor Sherrill and the broader aviation community to strengthen airport protections, preserve their economic role, and maintain accessibility for future generations.

The letter requests a meeting between AOPA leadership, Governor Sherrill, and representatives of the state general aviation community to discuss these challenges. AOPA aims to explore viable solutions that protect Aeroflex/Andover Airport’s core tenants and its critical function as a public-use facility. The outcome of this dialogue could influence similar airport preservation efforts across New Jersey.

This situation underscores the fragile status of many general aviation airports in the state and the direct impact of infrastructure decisions on business viability and public aviation access. Aeroflex/Andover Airport, notable for its historic hangars and active flight school, represents a case where inconsistent development priorities risk eroding New Jersey’s aviation infrastructure and associated economic benefits.