Westhampton Beach in Suffolk County of New York is one of the most ravishing summer holiday destinations, complete with some of the world's exquisite ocean beaches. Rogers Pavilion, is one such beaches that is regularly cited as one of the top 15 in the world. So, when you are chalking out your next summer vacation, do keep in mind to book flights that would take you straight to the Francis S Gabreski Airport.
Located on Long Islands, approximately 80 miles east of New York City, Francis S Gabreski Airport is the only major gateway to this beautiful beach city. It is a general aviation facility, utilized for by corporate businesses, private aviation and air taxi services as well. Sprawling over a vast 88 acres , Francis S Gabreski Airport, Westhampton Beach houses a 9,000 foot runway- New York's second longest runway after that of JFK International.
Going back in time, Francis S Gabreski Airport, Westhampton Beach, NY, was built by the Federal government in 1943 for use as an Air Force base during World War II. Later in 1991, it was rechristened in honor of Col. Francis S. Gabreski, a former base commander of World War II.
Today, at Westhampton Beach Airport, aviation services to the airport users are provided by:
- 2 fixed based operators (FBO's)
- Malloy Air East
- Long Island Jet Center
The New York Air National Guard 106th Rescue Group is also based at this Gabreski Field. It operates HC-130 Hercules and MH-60G Black Hawk helicopters to facilitate war-time search and rescue operations. Coverage for the NASA space shuttle launches is also one of its foremost functions.
As per data available for the 12-month period ending 04 April 2005,
Aircraft operations: avg 230/day
Local general aviation 51%
Transient general aviation 38%
Military 10%
Air taxi 1%
Operational Statistics of the Francis S Gabreski Airport are:
- Aircraft based on the field: 100
- Single engine airplanes: 68
- Multi engine airplanes: 14
- Jet airplanes: 3
- Helicopters: 2
- Gliders airplanes: 2
- Military aircraft: 11
Tourism being a major factor of the region's economy, the airport is well-served by most major Airlines. Although direct international flights are a bit difficult to come by, the shortage is well compensated by numerous connecting flights from all important international airports round the world.
Some of the premium lodgings, where the tourists flying down to Francis S Gabreski Airport have preferred putting in are:
- Best Western Riverhead East End
- Budget Host Riverhead
www.flightshotelstours.com offers detailed information on Francis S Gabreski Airport, NY.
| 
