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Block Island advocates urge state to restore aeronautical inspector role after Rhode Island Airport Corporation eliminates it
Summary
Airport stakeholders told the council the Rhode Island Airport Corporation has eliminated the state aeronautical inspector office, raising concerns about response to runway incidents, aviation safety oversight and use of FAA funds.
Representatives of the Block Island State Airport Stakeholders Group asked the New Shoreham Town Council to press the Rhode Island Airport Corporation (RIAC) to restore the Office of State Aeronautical Inspector, which stakeholders say has been eliminated.
What speakers said - Henry DuPont, appearing with the Block Island State Airport stakeholders, described the aeronautical inspector as a state official who historically investigated safety issues at Rhode Island's smaller airports and worked with the Federal Aviation Administration on safety concerns. He told the council the inspector's removal leaves no clear state-level point of contact for disabled aircraft, maintenance shortfalls and other safety issues affecting Block Island and other outlying airports. - DuPont detailed a history of disputes and service issues between RIAC and smaller airports including landing fees, parking and maintenance. He said the aeronautical inspector had been an active advocate for safety and that his removal risks multi-day delays to address disabled aircraft or runway incidents.
Council response and planned action - Councilors expressed concern and asked the town manager to contact RIAC for clarification. The town manager agreed to pursue a narrow, targeted inquiry asking what office or mechanism now handles aeronautical-inspection duties and whether a comparable function remains. - Council members discussed coordinating with other affected airport communities (Westerly, Newport, Quonset and North Central) and copying their governing bodies in any correspondence asking for RIAC's explanation.
Why it matters - Stakeholders said the aeronautical inspector performed safety inspections, flagged deferred maintenance, and coordinated with FAA and local authorities; advocates worry its elimination reduces the state's ability to respond quickly to airport safety problems at small airports.
Ending Councilors asked the town manager to contact RIAC for clarification and indicated the council would consider a joint letter or coordinated outreach with other host communities depending on RIAC's response.
