An operator of an aircraft or anyone observing an aircraft accident with knowledge that an aircraft accident has occurred must immediately notify NJDOT Aeronautics through the New Jersey State Police at (609) 882-2000, and/or an Aeronautics’ Investigator at (609) 963-2100. All accident report must include the following information:

• Location of accident with reference to some easily defined geographical point
• Aircraft registration number, type and nationality
• Pilot’s name; owner’s name
• Date, time of accident
• Number of persons onboard
• Number killed; those seriously injured and types of injuries
• The departure/intended landing points of the aircraft
• The nature of the accident, weather and aircraft damage

If an aircraft incident occurs, notify an NJDOT Aeronautics’ Investigator at (609) 963-2100 with specifics.

Refer to the Aircraft Accident Procedures Manual for  guidance. In addition, the reporting forms are available online.

If an airport is experiencing operational safety and/or damage issues as a result of wildlife activity, contact the United States Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA APHIS) Wildlife Services New Jersey office at:

New Jersey Wildlife Services State Director
140-C Locust Grove Road
Pittstown, NJ 08867
(908) 735-5654 or (866) 487-3297
Fax: (908) 735-0821

All wildlife strike incidents should be reported to the FAA through their online reporting system.

Security measures at New Jersey’s public use airports provide protection for passengers and aircraft. The level of security may vary from airport to airport depending upon the location. New Jersey mandates a two-lock system at its airports. For more information, see the Two-Lock System Frequently Asked Questions.

The National Association of State Aviation Officials (NASAO) recommends that federal authorities implement a process of categorizing airports and that minimum security standards be adopted for each category.

• General Aviation Security Report 
• Report of the Aviation Advisory Committee Working Group on General Aviation Airports Security

New Jersey has no state registration requirements or fees for pilots or aircraft. There are also no licensing requirements for maintenance personnel. The NJDOT Aeronautics licenses the following activities:

• Aerial advertising
• Aerial applications
• Sport parachute centers
• Aerial exhibitions
• Air meets
• Air races

NJDOT licenses the following aeronautical facilities for Public Use, Restricted Use or Special Use:

• Airport
• Airship base
• Balloonport/Balloonspot
• Heliport
• Helistop
• Landing strip
• Parachute drop zone
• Seaplane base
• Ultralight recreational facility
• Vertiport

Contact NJDOT Aeronautics at (609) 963–2100 for more information.

Business owners who wish to use a helicopter on their premises may apply for any of the following:

• Permanent (public use) heliport or vertiport
• Permanent (special use or restricted use) helistop or vertiport
• Temporary helistop or vertiport

Individuals are advised to immediately call the nearest law enforcement authorities to report suspicious activity. Be prepared to give as much information as possible. Avoid placing yourself or others in danger. Call 911 immediately for any life-threatening emergency situation. To help ensure the security of General Aviation (GA) aircraft and airport operations, call the following national, toll-free, hotline number to report suspicious activity (866) 427-3287.

Individuals interested in becoming a search and rescue volunteer may contact the Civil Air Patrol (CAP) membership info hotline at (800)359-2388 or online. Don’t forget to check out their CAP Unit Locator for the unit nearest you.

The FAA Flight Standards District Office (FSDO) is the regulatory agency for flight safety. They serve the aviation industry and general public on matters relating to certification and operation of general aviation aircraft, including allegations of unsafe flight operations. Direct complaints to the FSDO office nearest you.