This 2016 report by Palo Alto resident Mark Shull examines how the FAA's NextGen 'Optimization of Airspace and Procedures in the Metroplex' (OAPM) program, implemented between 2012 and 2015, led to dramatically increased aircraft noise over residential communities by redesigning flight paths to be lower, straighter, and more concentrated. The author argues that while the program was publicly marketed as improving efficiency, reducing fuel use, and lowering environmental impact, its primary purpose was increasing airport capacity by reducing separation between aircraft and simplifying flight corridors. The report traces the legislative, regulatory, and industry decisions that shaped the program, concluding that communities were left worse off and that genuine air traffic modernization will be harder to achieve going forward.Open full document
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A detailed report by Mark Shull examining the FAA’s NextGen program and the 2012–2015 ‘Optimization of Airspace and Procedures in the Metroplex’ (OAPM) initiative that dramatically increased aircraft noise over Palo Alto and other communities. The document traces the regulatory and legislative history, including the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012, RTCA task forces, noise modeling decisions, and the environmental review process. The author argues the program prioritized airport capacity over noise reduction and environmental protection, with inadequate public engagement.