TagAirport Noise Law(44)

This book by Sanford Fidell and Vincent Mestre provides a comprehensive guide to U.S. aircraft noise regulatory policy, covering the rules, standards, and government frameworks that govern how aircraft noise is measured, evaluated, and controlled. It is a key reference for understanding how federal agencies approach noise management around airports such as Sea-Tac, including the metrics and legal structures used to assess community noise impacts.

This guide, produced by law firm Cutler & Stanfield in conjunction with acoustical consultants Harris Miller Miller & Hanson Inc., explains FAA regulations governing airport noise under the Airport Noise and Capacity Act. It is intended to help airport proprietors, community organizations, and local governments understand the federal rules that control aircraft noise levels and airport operational capacity. The guide draws on the firms' extensive experience advising clients on noise policy and drafting noise rules at major airports across the United States.

14 CFR Part 161 sets out the federal rules governing how airports like Sea-Tac must notify the public and obtain FAA approval before imposing noise and access restrictions on aircraft operations. It covers different requirements depending on whether restrictions apply to older Stage 2 aircraft or newer Stage 3 aircraft, including mandatory analysis, public comment periods, and formal FAA review. Airports that fail to follow these procedures risk losing federal grant funds and passenger facility charges.

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.