Solberg Airport Lawsuit Threatens Future Development; Tecnam P2008JC NG Revealed

December 25, 2025 at 05:53 PM•3 min read

Solberg-Hunterdon Airport owners sued Readington Township over a zoning ordinance restricting modernization; meanwhile, Tecnam launched the P2008JC NG trainer, and Spirit Airlines

Key Points

1Solberg-Hunterdon Airport filed suit against Readington Township over Ordinance 19-2025, which redefines the runway and restricts 531 of 744 acres from airport development.
2Tecnam launched the P2008JC NG trainer, featuring EASA CS-23 certification, a hybrid airframe, and a fuel-efficient Rotax 912 iSc engine.
3Spirit Airlines secured $100 million in incremental DIP financing, maintaining $800 million in cash reserves amid ongoing Chapter 11 restructuring.
4The Solberg Airport case could set a legal precedent for local versus federal authority over privately owned public-use airports.

The owners of Solberg-Hunterdon Airport (N51) have filed a lawsuit against Readington Township, New Jersey.

Solberg Aviation Company is challenging a newly adopted zoning procedure. The airport owners argue the ordinance is designed to "suffocate" operations. The case has significant implications for privately owned public-use airports nationwide.

Solberg Airport Zoning Lawsuit

The dispute centers on Readington Township’s Ordinance 19-2025. This measure creates a new Solberg-Hunterdon Airport Zone District. The ordinance also redefines the airport’s primary runway, Runway 4-22.

Federal and state records list the runway length at 5,598 feet. However, the local ordinance defines it as 3,735 feet. This shorter length only accounts for the paved section. The discrepancy impacts how safety zones are calculated.

Restrictions on Modernization

The new local ordinance rezones 531 of the airport's 744 acres. This land is restricted from future airport development use. Furthermore, the ordinance prohibits new facilities for advanced air mobility (AAM). This includes heliports and infrastructure for eVTOL aircraft. The airport maintains that these restrictions prevent necessary modernization.

This legal challenge seeks to clarify local zoning authority. It questions the balance with state and federal oversight of public-use airports. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) oversees airport safety. The outcome could set a major precedent for similar facilities.

Tecnam Unveils P2008JC NG Trainer

In manufacturing news, Tecnam launched its Tecnam P2008JC NG trainer. The “Next Generation” aircraft is a key evolution for flight training organizations. It is certified to rigorous EASA CS-23 Amendment 6 standards.

This places the aircraft in the highest safety tier for general aviation. The P2008JC NG features hybrid airframe technology. It pairs a carbon-fiber fuselage with durable metal wings. This design aims for both comfort and repairability.

Power comes from the Rotax 912 iSc fuel-injected engine. Tecnam reports the aircraft burns 58% less fuel than legacy trainers. This greatly reduces operating costs for flight schools. The cockpit features a state-of-the-art Garmin G3X Touch glass system.

Spirit Airlines Secures Financing

Ultra-low-cost carrier Spirit Airlines continues its financial restructuring. The airline secured an amendment to its DIP credit agreement. This provides an incremental $100 million in financing. An initial $50 million was immediately available for use.

Spirit (Spirit Airlines) has been grappling with deep losses. The carrier burned $47 million in November alone. However, it still maintains over $800 million in cash reserves. The airline is pursuing a standalone reorganization or strategic transaction. The company is also making network pullbacks, including an exit from Minneapolis–St. Paul.

Other industry updates include Hartzell's new Sky-Tec starter line. This product supports piston aircraft engine reliability. For more on these and other stories, visit our dedicated commercial aviation news section. (398 words)