The PTW airport name was changed from Pottstown-Linmerick Airport to Heritage Field. Official publications and AWOS are continuing to use the old name. Reporter states this may cause safety problems because pilots may not properly identify local air traffic using the new name as they enter the traffic pattern.

Narrative

Recently; a new owner has acquired Pottstown-Limerick Airport; Pottstown; PA (KPTW). He has changed the name of the airport to Heritage Field. As a consequence; a hazardous situation has developed; as described below. The new name is listed on some VFR charts and on the Terminal Procedure Publications for KPTW. It is also designated in the block for weather source on the TPPs for nearby Pottstown Municipal Airport (N47). However; the Airport/Facilities Directory and the current Terminal Area Chart for Philadelphia still list the former name (Pottstown-Limerick Airport) and the recorded airport identification on the ASOS at KPTW also uses the old name. The problem arises because of this inconsistency of nomenclature. Many local pilots and students at the flight school at KPTW are using the new name; but many others are not. A transient pilot who has checked the A/FD may not know the new field name. When he hears calls on CTAF for 'Heritage Field;' he may not realize that these calls affect his flight at KPTW; instead thinking that Heritage Field may be elsewhere. He could infer that there is no traffic; even when there are planes making traffic calls with the new name. To remedy this situation; the listing in the A/FD should be changed and the airport identification on the ASOS should both be changed to incorporate the new name. During some transition period; both names should be included on the AWOS; e.g.; 'Heritage Field; Pottstown; Pennsylvania;' or 'Heritage Pottstown;' or the like.