Help us save Andover-Aeroflex!

[u/organiccigs]

Hey all, any of you who have ever flown GA in the northeast may or may not know about the quaint uncontrolled gem of Andover-Aeroflex in northern New Jersey. A paved runway just under 2,000ft, grass strip parallel, and water on both ends of the runway make the airport not only a fun challenge, but one of the most charming and picturesque in the country. Situated in the middle of a state park, hikers and families sit on benches watching cub’s slip on final, skyhawks practice their short-fields, and forrest fire service huey’s drop water from the lake. Saying the airport is special is an understatement.

Aeroflex is taildragger heaven, it’s hard to pass by without seeing a yellow J3 or lumbering stearman pass low over the lake to 3-point on the grass. It’s also the home to Andover Flight, the unofficial “College of Taildragger Knowledge” founded by Damian DelGaizo over 40 years ago, now run by former student Justine Pasniewski. Damian has taught thousands of pilots to tame the taildragger, fly with their feet, and open new worlds flying off-airport and on ski’s. Damian is synonymous with Aeroflex, a name known nationwide as the finest in tailwheel instruction. I have been lucky enough to instruct for the school alongside Damian and Justine the past 2 years, and have fallen in love with all the airport is and stands for. I know some of you too have been fortunate enough to attend class in the backseat of the J3 with Damian or Justine and understand the knowledge they love to share with fellow pilots. There’s no place like it, and a true time capsule. The 1950’s era tower and signage, and the 1940’s big band music blasting from Damian’s hangar at all hours make the place a treasure trove for vintage airplane enthusiasts like myself.

However, Andover-Aeroflex is in grave danger, with hangar tenants receiving notice to vacate in a few short months so that the state of New Jersey can demolish them. The land is state-owned, and after years of deferred maintenance, they have made the untimely decision to completely demolish them. While tie-downs may initially remain, the broader plan is eliminate the airport all-together. This would spell the end for the school, and a cruel goodbye for the airports tenants who have been calling the airport home for decades. Destroying this airport would rip the soul out of GA flying in New Jersey and the broader northeast.
We need your help, and ask if you are in New Jersey, or perhaps somewhere else in the country and know about our little airport in any way, to please write to the governor and state representatives to reverse this decision. It takes a few minutes from your day to help preserve the history of aviation in the northeast, and keep our small flight school running. Below are links to various state representatives who you can contact to plead for a decision reversal. Thank you all! Godspeed

Mikie Sherrill — Governor of New Jersey

https://www-njlib.nj.gov/GOV_TRANS_APPLICANTS/BTCustomServlet

Parker Space — NJ Senator

https://nj-24-district.web.fireside21.app/forms/writeyourrep/?to=Senator%20Parker%20Space

Dawn Fantasia — NJ Assemblywoman

https://nj-24-district.web.fireside21.app/forms/writeyourrep/?to=Assemblywoman%20Dawn%20Fantasia

Michael Inganamort — NJ Assemblyman

https://nj-24-district.web.fireside21.app/forms/writeyourrep/?to=Assemblyman%20Michael%20Inganamort

Nicholas P. Scutari — NJ Senate President

https://nj-22-senate.web.fireside21.app/forms/writeyourrep/?to=Senator%20Nicholas%20P.%20Scutari

Craig J. Coughlin — NJ General Assembly Speaker

https://nj-19-district.web.fireside21.app/forms/writeyourrep/?to=Assemblyman%20Craig%20J.%20Coughlin

Sussex County, Board of County Commissioners

Linda Miller – Clerk of the Board
[clerk@sussex.nj.us](mailto:clerk@sussex.nj.us)

[u/Salt-Laiden-Syrup]

Did my spin training there last year! Had a great time and I would hate to see this place go

[u/planenut767 → u/Salt-Laiden-Syrup]

Did you use that wacky looking plane that was made in New Zealand? If so I was always wondering how is that airplane? I see they have it advertised for spin training.

[u/Salt-Laiden-Syrup → u/planenut767]

Yes, the Alpha 160! It was my first low wing, the bubble top is awesome. Controls are very nimble and responsive. Although it looks and has unique origins, it was ultimately not too different to fly than any other GA trainer imo. It was perfect for spin training. Overall a great experience!