Statement of Congressman Steve Rothman
Statement of Congressman Steve Rothman
February 2, 2005
Congressman Steve Rothman (NJ-09) released the following statement today after visiting Teterboro Airport and the scene of today's crash of a twin-engine Canadair, Challenger CL-600 corporate jet, in Teterboro, New Jersey. Rothman visited the crash site with representatives of the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.
"My thoughts and prayers are with the victims of this accident. I am grateful that it appears that no lives were lost. I want to thank all of the first responders who acted in heroic fashion to facilitate the rescue efforts on the ground.
This is just another indication that Teterboro has reached its capacity. Just as we have seen more cars on our roads, we have seen more planes in our skies. Teterboro is no longer the sleepy little airport it used to be. It has grown into a large regional airport. We have looked to the Federal Aviation Administration for help in relieving congestion at the airport, but they have refused to divert traffic to JFK or Newark.
The interstate commerce that air travel is meant to support is supposed to improve people's quality of life. Unfortunately, the opposite is happening at Teterboro. Increasing air traffic is ruining the quality of life for all those who live around Teterboro.
I have successfully fought to keep big jets and scheduled airline service out of Teterboro. We have had other victories regarding aircraft noise and nightime flights. But the accident today demonstrates just how dangerous this overall situation has become. Teterboro Airport is now almost as busy as LaGuardia Airport and we are located in the most densely populated part of the most densely populated state in the country.
The FAA, who now have total control over the number of flights and the time of day aircraft can come into and out of Teterboro must understand that a new, better balance must be struck. In the name of our people's safety and quality of life, aircraft at Teterboro must be reduced."
http://www.house.gov/rothman/news_releases/rel_020205.htm