TagCFR(10)

14 CFR Part 150 sets out the federal rules for airport noise compatibility planning, establishing how airports must measure noise, map affected areas, and develop programs to reduce conflicts between aircraft noise and nearby land uses. It defines key terms such as day-night average sound level (DNL), compatible and noncompatible land use, and noise exposure maps, and it outlines the process by which the FAA reviews and approves or disapproves airport noise compatibility programs. Importantly, FAA approval of such a program does not itself commit federal funding or authorize specific actions without further environmental review.

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.

This federal regulation identifies certain U.S. airports as 'high density traffic airports' and sets hourly limits on the number of IFR (instrument flight rules) takeoffs and landings allowed there. The designated airports include LaGuardia, Newark, O'Hare, Ronald Reagan National, and John F. Kennedy, with specific caps assigned to air carriers, commuter airlines, and other users. Note that this regulation does not apply to Sea-Tac Airport and pertains to air traffic slot management rather than noise policy.

Army Corps of Engineers Regulatory Guidance Letter 87-03, dated April 14, 1987, clarifying requirements for Section 401 water quality certification under the Clean Water Act. Covers when certification or waiver is required before Federal permit issuance, the effect of state denial or court voidance before and after permit issuance, and the ‘reasonable period of time’

A 1981 Port of Seattle internal memorandum from the Director of Aviation recommends replacing two aging Crash Fire Rescue vehicles (Red 193 and Red 196) at Sea-Tac Airport, which had been out of service roughly 20% of the time since their 1977 purchase and would each require $170,000 in repairs. The memo also recommends acquiring a new Rapid Intervention Vehicle, as suggested by FAA inspectors. Funding of $1 million was already included in the Airport's 1982 Capital Budget, to be supplemented by proceeds from selling the two problem vehicles.