TagAvigation Easement(10)

This document outlines how airport noise impact programs can be approved and funded under the Airport Improvement Program (AIP). Once a detailed study confirms substantial community noise impact and a reasonable solution is proposed, costs become eligible for approval. Specific guidelines must then be developed covering property acquisition or sound insulation options, including owner agreements, appraisals, market exposure, noise insulation standards, and relocation proposals.

In April 2022, the Port of Seattle Commission considered authorizing a $1.29 million settlement with Wesley Homes to resolve a dispute over an avigation easement and aircraft noise at Wesley's Terrace Building near Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. Under the agreement, the Port would conduct acoustical testing, pursue FAA funding for noise mitigation, reimburse up to $250,000 of Wesley's legal fees, and commit to a full Part 150 noise study update for SEA Airport. Although the Port denied wrongdoing, it recommended settling to avoid the higher costs of going to trial.

This is the blank form. For a live example, go here: https://seatacnoise.info/avigation-easement-sample/ The Port insists that homeowners sign an Avigation Easement in exchange for receiving the Port Package. One reason they give for this requirement is that they contend that to not do so would constitute a ‘gift of public funds’ which is illegal under

This is the binding legal document that home owners within the mandated distance of the airport (DNL 65) had to sign in order to receive mitigation benefits (typically insulation and triple-pane windows.) In exchange, the owner gave free use of the sky above the property to the FAA and airlines not only for themselves but

In September 2017, Des Moines, WA resident Steve Edmiston sent a certified letter demanding that the Port of Seattle and the FAA stop increased flight operations over his historic Woodmont neighborhood, arguing that no avigation easement had ever been granted over his property. He cited a dramatic rise in aircraft noise, vibrations, fumes, and nighttime flights linked to expanded use of Sea-Tac's third runway and new navigation procedures, noting that commercial operations at the airport had nearly doubled since 2003. The letter also included a formal public records request for documents related to flight procedure changes made after February 14, 2012, and outlined legal grounds under which affected homeowners may still seek damages despite general noise liability limitations.