TagAirport Noise Law(32)

Washington state law defining requirements for port commissions to investigate and monitor aircraft noise impact before initiating abatement programs. Establishes geographic boundaries for “impacted areas” where port districts may undertake noise programs, with specific distance limitations from runway ends and centerlines.

The Federal Aviation Administration announces its approval of the noise compatibility program for John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), effective March 14, 2023. The program contains 22 recommended measures including noise abatement, land use, and program management measures to reduce aviation noise impacts.

A white paper by Vianair, Inc. examining noise abatement procedures at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) and proposing the development of a comprehensive Fly Quiet program to reduce aircraft noise impacts on surrounding residential communities.

Washington State's Substitute House Bill 1847, signed into law on March 25, 2020, expands the aircraft noise abatement programs available to port districts by lowering the threshold for eligibility from airports serving more than 900 scheduled jet flights per day (previously 20). The law also enlarges the geographic 'impacted areas' around runways where noise relief programs—such as soundproofing, property acquisition, and transaction assistance—can be offered, extending coverage from six to ten miles north and up to thirteen miles south of runway ends, and from one to two miles from runway centerlines.

Washington State's Substitute House Bill 1847, signed into law in March 2020, expands the aircraft noise abatement programs available to port districts by lowering the qualifying threshold from 900 to 20 scheduled jet flights per day and extending the geographic boundaries of 'impacted areas' around airport runways. The law allows port districts to pursue noise relief measures—including property acquisition, soundproofing, transaction assistance, and mortgage insurance—for communities affected by aircraft noise. It amends three existing state statutes (RCW 53.54.010, 53.54.020, and 53.54.030) and took effect on June 11, 2020.

Arlington County, Virginia awarded a consulting contract (No. 20-042-RFP) to ABCx2, LLC in March 2020 to study aircraft noise generated by Reagan National Airport air traffic affecting Arlington County, Virginia, and Montgomery County, Maryland, and to recommend mitigation strategies. The fixed-price contract is valued at up to $250,000 and covers an initial 12-month term with the option for two additional one-year renewals through March 2023. Note: This contract pertains to Reagan National Airport and Arlington/Montgomery County communities, not Sea-Tac Airport.

Academic review paper examining perception of low frequency noise and infrasound, including human responses, measurement challenges, and the historical misconceptions that have created public fear around these sound phenomena. The paper addresses hearing thresholds, sensitivity variations, and unexplained complaints of low frequency noise.

FAA record of approval for Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport’s Noise Compatibility Program under 14 CFR Part 150. The document evaluates eight noise abatement measures and six noise mitigation measures, with the FAA providing approvals and disapprovals for various proposed actions.

This document is an agenda and discussion outline from the Part 161 Summit held on August 18, 2005, in Denver, Colorado, focused on airport noise use restrictions. It covers topics including the Naples Municipal Airport's experience with a noise ban, the legal and factual requirements needed to justify aircraft use restrictions, and alternative paths to noise relief such as grandfathering, Part 150 programs, and federal legislation. Key criteria for imposing Stage 3 noise restrictions under the Noise Act and FAR Part 161 are outlined, including ensuring restrictions are reasonable, non-discriminatory, and do not unduly burden interstate commerce or the national aviation system.

This guide, produced by law firm Kaplan Kirsch & Rockwell and noise consulting firm Harris Miller Miller & Hanson, explains the rules and regulations governing airport noise and aircraft use restrictions at publicly owned airports. It covers who is responsible for regulating airports and aircraft, what tools airports have to manage noise, and the requirements of the Airport Noise and Capacity Act of 1990. The guide is designed for airport managers, elected officials, consultants, and community groups seeking to understand how noise disputes are handled and resolved.