Princeton Airport
Located in Montgomery, Somerset County, New Jersey, Princeton Airport (IATA: PCT, FAA LID: 39N) serves as a vital public-use aviation facility. Situated just three miles north of Princeton and west of Rocky Hill, the airport provides essential infrastructure for general aviation and flight training in the region.
Currently owned and operated by Princeton Aero Corp, the airport is more than just a landing strip; it is a center for aviation education and professional services. It hosts several key organizations, including the Princeton Flying School, Elite Flight Experience/Cirrus Training Center, Pacific Aircraft, Analar Helicopter Charter, and Platinum Helicopters.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Key Facts
- Location: Montgomery, New Jersey, serving the Princeton area.
- Ownership: Privately owned by Princeton Aero Corp.
- Runway: One asphalt runway (10/28) measuring 3,499 feet.
- Operations: Approximately 39,421 aircraft operations recorded in the year ending October 2020.
- Training: Home to the FAA-approved Princeton Flying School.
History and Evolution
The airport was established by Richard A. Newhouse (originally spelled Neuhaus), a pioneer in aviation design. In 1911, Newhouse built a custom aircraft featuring separate floating ailerons—a significant innovation at a time when most aircraft relied on wing warping for roll control.
The facility modernized in 1965 with the opening of its paved runway. This infrastructure allowed for the introduction of commuter airline services. For example, in 1979, Princeton Airways operated fifteen scheduled daily passenger flights to Newark using Britten-Norman Islander aircraft, which are STOL (Short Take-Off and Landing) capable. The airline also utilized the GAF Nomad, a STOL-capable turboprop, for scheduled services.
On March 29, 1985, the airport was acquired by Princeton Aero Corp. The company's principals are members of the Nierenberg family, who brought extensive experience from their eighteen-year tenure as the fixed-base operator at Kupper Airport.
Facilities and Operational Statistics
Princeton Airport spans 100 acres of land. Its primary infrastructure is a single asphalt runway, designated 10/28, which measures 3,499 feet in length and 75 feet in width.
According to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) data for the year ending October 23, 2020, the airport averaged 108 operations per day, totaling 39,421 annually. The traffic composition consisted of 88% general aviation and 13% air taxi services. During this period, 32 aircraft were based at the facility, including 27 single-engine planes, one multi-engine plane, and four helicopters.
The airport is also a hub for education via the Princeton Flying School (formerly known as the Raritan Valley Flying School), which operates as a Part 61 FAA-approved flight school.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| IATA / FAA LID | PCT / 39N |
| Elevation (AMSL) | 128 ft (39 m) |
| Runway Surface | Asphalt |
| Runway Length | 3,499 ft (1,066 m) |
| Total Area | 100 acres (40 ha) |
| Based Aircraft (2020) | 32 |
Notable Alumni
The Princeton Flying School has trained several distinguished individuals. In 1991, Avril Haines—who served as the Director of National Intelligence from 2021 to 2025—began her flight lessons here. It was at the school that she met her future husband, David Davighi, and successfully completed her first private pilot solo flight.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who owns Princeton Airport?
The airport is privately owned and operated by Princeton Aero Corp, led by members of the Nierenberg family.
What flight training is available at the airport?
The airport houses the Princeton Flying School, an FAA-approved Part 61 flight school, as well as the Elite Flight Experience/Cirrus Training Center.
What is the length of the runway at Princeton Airport?
The airport has one asphalt runway (10/28) that is 3,499 feet (1,066 meters) long.
What types of aircraft typically use the airport?
The majority of operations are general aviation (88%), with a smaller portion being air taxi services (13%). Based aircraft include single-engine planes, multi-engine planes, and helicopters.
Does the airport have a history of commercial flights?
Yes, in the late 1970s, Princeton Airways operated scheduled passenger flights to Newark using STOL-capable aircraft like the Britten-Norman Islander and the GAF Nomad.