Share:
House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2021 - 2022
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | January 24, 2022 12:18 PM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative Zachary Mako |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | Protecting Fort Indiantown Gap Airspace and Flight Paths |
| As a pilot with the Pennsylvania National Guard, I have flown countless missions out of Fort Indiantown Gap. While many are well aware that The Gap is centerpiece of Pennsylvania's outstanding guard units, it is perhaps less well known that units from around the nation depend on the Gap's unmatched facilities for training and overall readiness. Fort Indiantown Gap hosts the Eastern Aviation Training School, one of only two aviation training centers for the Army and the Air National Guard in the continental United States. The Gap is the second-busiest heliport in the nation, with almost 7,000 flights per year. These facilities and the training provided by their continued operation is absolutely critical to the defense of our nation and the readiness of our armed forces. Recent proposals to construct windmills on property adjoining the Gap has raised serious concerns within the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. Recent press reports indicate DMVA is specifically concerned that the construction of windmills within the buffer zone surrounding the Gap will impact helicopter training manuevers during nighttime hours and increase the risk of accidents. With this in mind, I am introducing legislation that would require DEP to consult with the Adjutant General prior to permitting windmills within the flight path or airspace of the Gap. I would appreciate your support of this initiative. |
Introduced as HB2367