The East Hampton Town Board in New York is expected to meet on May 7 to consider proposed new curfews and other operating restrictions at East Hampton Airport (KHTO). The proposal, which is expected to be adopted, would impose a year-round curfew on landings and takeoffs between 11 p.m. and 8 a.m. for all aircraft. It also includes a more restrictive 8 p.m. to 9 a.m. curfew for aircraft classified as noisy (at or above 91 EPNdB on approach—most single- and twin-engine helicopters flown in the New York market fall into the "noisy" category), and a further limit on noisy aircraft. They would be restricted to one airport visit per week between May and September. Fines for violations range from $1,000 to $10,000 per incident, and repeat violators could be banned from the airport, altogether. The Board had discussed a complete Thursday-to-Monday summer helicopter ban but dropped that idea.

The meeting will be held at 6:30 p.m. at the Town Hall Meeting Room, 159 Pantigo Road, East Hampton, N.Y. Local, regional and national aviation groups operating under the umbrella of “Friends of East Hampton Airport” have lined up against the new restrictions, which likely would face court challenge if enacted.