๐บ๐ธ Calverton, United States of America
Calverton Executive Airpark (CTO/KCTO), also known as Peconic River Airport, is a significant public-use general aviation facility located in Suffolk County, New York, serving the Long Island and New York City metropolitan regions. Historically famous as the primary production and testing site for the Grumman Aerospace Corporation, the airport is where legendary aircraft like the F-14 Tomcat were built and where the Apollo Lunar Module underwent critical testing. Today, it remains a vital hub for corporate travel, private aviation, and industrial flight operations. The terminal infrastructure at the airpark is a functional facility that serves as the center for airport administration and pilot services. Inside, visitors will find a basic pilot's lounge with comfortable seating, a flight planning area, and clean restroom facilities. While the airport does not support regular scheduled commercial airline service, the terminal is designed to handle the needs of transient aviators and corporate personnel efficiently. Amenities at CTO include high-speed Wi-Fi and a variety of local information materials about the region's rich aerospace history and the nearby Long Island Pine Barrens. Operational capacity at Calverton Executive is supported by one of the longest and most capable runways on Long Island measuring approximately 7,000 feet in length, which is designed to support a wide range of regional aircraft, large corporate jets, and historical military transports. Navigation through the terminal is exceptionally easy due to its compact and logical layout. For ground transportation, the airport is located near major regional thoroughfares such as the Long Island Expressway (I-495), with taxi and ride-share services readily available to transport visitors to their local destinations, regional business centers, or the many vineyards of eastern Long Island.
Connecting through Calverton Executive Airpark (CTO), also known by its FAA identifier 3NY8, is a specialized process for private and business aviation. As a private-use, publicly owned facility, all landings require Prior Permission Required (PPR) from the Town of Riverhead or the airport manager; unauthorized arrivals may face significant restrictions. The airport's primary asset is its massive 10,001-foot runway (14/32), which was historically used by the Grumman Aerospace Corporation for testing aircraft like the F-14 Tomcat. Today, this runway makes CTO a critical alternative for large-cabin corporate jets such as the Gulfstream G650 or Boeing Business Jet, especially when weight or size restrictions are in effect at nearby Hamptons airports. It is vital for pilots to note that there is currently no aviation fuel available on-site; all refueling must be planned for regional hubs like Gabreski (FOK) or MacArthur (ISP). Because the field is largely unattended and lacks a traditional FBO terminal, ground transportation must be meticulously pre-arranged. Travelers typically use private car services or rideshare apps like Uber and Lyft to reach destinations such as Westhampton (30 minutes) or East Hampton (60 minutes). For the most efficient 'connection' to the North Fork wine country or Shelter Island, helicopter shuttles through providers like BLADE often utilize CTO as a strategic staging point. Pilots must also strictly adhere to noise abatement procedures to avoid overflying the nearby Calverton National Cemetery and surrounding residential communities. Given the airport's limited on-site services, ensuring all logistics are confirmed 24 hours in advance is essential for a smooth transit through eastern Long Island.
Check terminal and airline baggage transfer rules, especially on separate tickets.
Minimum domestic connection:
45 minutes
International connections:
90 minutes
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Last updated: January 1980 | Data Source: IATA and other airline sites and resources