The StART Aviation Noise Working Group met on February 8, 2021, to review updated operating procedures, discuss late-night noise issues driven by increased cargo flights during COVID-19, and examine fleet changes trending toward quieter aircraft at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. Key findings included FedEx leading in late-night noise exceedances, a significant drop in Third Runway use during late-night hours, and an FAA survey showing 66% of residents near airports are highly annoyed by aviation noise. Future topics under consideration include incentives or penalties for carriers operating late at night and further studies on ultrafine particulates and public health impacts.Open full document
Notes
Meeting summary from the StART Aviation Noise Working Group held via Zoom on February 8, 2021. Topics included StART’s new operating procedures, near-term aviation noise action agenda updates (including late-night noise exceedances driven by cargo carriers such as FedEx and Amazon Prime), aircraft fleet changes at Sea-Tac Airport, and FAA Noise Annoyance Survey results. The next meeting was scheduled for April 12, 2021.