Improved airport noise policy guidance on the horizon
The FAA is reviewing its noise standards so that the agency can provide improved guidance that will better serve community members, pilots, airport planning committees, and the agency’s decision making.
As part of the FAA’s commitment to address aircraft noise, the agency conducted a Neighborhood Environmental Survey, the results of which were published in 2021. After several decades lacking new information about noise effects on communities, the results of the 2021 survey provided new insights on how people respond to aircraft noise, prompting the FAA to review and improve its standards.
According to the 2021 results published by the FAA, the new data show “a substantial increase in the percentage of people who are highly annoyed by aircraft noise over the entire range of aircraft noise levels considered, including at lower noise levels.”
Incompatible land use planning can put residents who decide to live near airports at risk for increased noise, and it also punishes local and transient pilots by putting airports at risk for increased restrictions or even airport closure. By preventing incompatible land use, community members living around the airport can feel safe and satisfied, airport users can continue to fly freely, and GA airports can continue to thrive.
In the comments to the FAA, AOPA recommends the agency take actions to address incompatible land use practices that include distribution of the Airport Land Use Compatibility Planning Advisory Circular to every airport sponsor and the formation of a joint FAA-industry working group that would facilitate creation of the updated noise policy.
AOPA has extensive experience mediating issues at GA airports related to incompatible land use and looks forward to working with the FAA to update guidance for local and state governments toward responsible land use planning.
