General aviation
Historic Hangars Facing Demolition at New Jersey Aeroflex-Andover Airport
Tenant hangars at Aeroflex-Andover Airport face imminent demolition, prompting concerns from aviation advocates regarding the future of local businesses and vintage aircraft storage.
Tenants using hangars at Aeroflex-Andover Airport (12N) in Sussex County, New Jersey, have been instructed to vacate their spaces by December 31. The New Jersey Forest Fire Service, which owns the facility, issued the eviction notices as part of a plan to tear down the hangar structures. State authorities initially informed tenants in June that the buildings required removal due to critical repair and condition issues.
The impending demolition threatens the continued operation of two local enterprises based at the airfield: a flight school, Andover Flight Academy, and an aircraft maintenance shop. According to flight school instructor Justine Pasniewski, finding alternative accommodation would prove difficult due to limited hangar availability elsewhere. Additionally, numerous airplanes stationed at the airport are vintage, fabric-covered machines that cannot withstand being stored outdoors.
While the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection oversees the Forest Fire Service and supports the teardown, independent engineering assessments have disputed the state's evaluation. AOPA reported that engineers who examined the structures determined that remediation work would cost significantly less than complete demolition. AOPA Vice President of Airports and State Advocacy Leon Jackler inspected the site following the initial announcement and described the buildings as being in overall excellent shape, noting they are historically and architecturally significant structures built in a classic style from solid concrete block.
Despite the issuance of the vacate orders, advocacy groups are continuing their efforts to reverse the decision. AOPA Eastern Regional Manager Sean Collins expressed disappointment regarding the state's progression with the demolition plan. Representatives have engaged with local and state officials and are actively seeking a meeting with Governor Mikie Sherrill, though no response has been received thus far.
The state has indicated that Aeroflex-Andover will remain open for public use, with outdoor tie-downs continuing to be offered. Remaining hangar space is slated to be reserved for firefighting operations. AOPA continues to emphasize the value of the airport, citing the broader context of a nationwide hangar shortage, the recent closure of another private airfield in the state, and the economic benefits general aviation provides to local communities.