The old hangar at Katama airfield, dating to World War II and long in a state of disrepair, is expected to be replaced after years of delays. Construction could begin before summer.
A single engine aircraft had a rough landing at Katama Airpark Monday. The pilot of the Piper Cherokee PA-32-26 was unhurt, but the propeller and nose of the plane were damaged. The Edgartown fire department and state police responded to the grass airfield.
As Edgartown tries to go forward with plans for a new airport hangar, it is forced to confront inconsistencies with the Katama airfield helicopter policy.
George F. Smith 3rd, a pilot, retired Marine Corps lieutenant colonel and summer resident, was appointed by the Edgartown selectmen Monday to manage the town-owned grass airfield. Outgoing manager Mike Creato was lauded for his work and legacy at the airfield.
A long-planned project to double the size of a 1945 hangar at the airfield will go forward. Town counsel Ronald H. Rappaport told the Edgartown selectmen again Monday that the deal comes at a price.