NASA Director addresses Accomack Board on transfer of P3 Aircraft to Langley

NASA Director Dave Pearce appeared before the Accomack County Board of Supervisors Wednesday night.  Pearce addressed the Boards concern of NASA’s moving the P3 research aircraft from Wallops to Langley.  Pierce said that NASA is trying to operate more efficiently and the NASA Aircraft Advisory Board is looking to consolidate their aircraft operations to three locations in California, Texas and Langley.

Pierce said that efforts are being made to help the employees that will be affected. He said the transition will take 18 to 24 months so those employees will have time to make other arrangements.

He also said that he is working to insure the project has a smooth transition.

The runway and hangers will continue to be maintained and used by the Navy for 9 more years of their contract.  Pearce said the airfields ate true assets and NASA is working to find other agencies that could also make use of the facility.

He said every effort will be made to protect the interests of the Wallops Research Park which is owned by the county.

Pearce predicts Wallops will continue to grow and Wallops should be conducting 50 or more launches each year or approximately one per week by the end of the decade.