TagFAA(793)

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.

The SEA Stakeholder Advisory Round Table (StART) held a virtual meeting on December 17, 2025, covering the FAA's Instrument Flight Procedures process, a review of StART's 2025/26 priorities, and updates on aviation noise, policy working group activities, and the Sustainable Airport Master Plan. StART serves as a forum for cooperation between the Port of Seattle and communities neighboring Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. The meeting also featured a presentation from representatives of other airport community roundtables and included time for public comment.

The FAA is replacing the entire U.S. air traffic control system by the end of 2028, upgrading outdated radar, software, hardware, and telecommunications networks to improve safety and reduce flight delays. The project, known as BNATCS, is funded by a $12.5 billion congressional investment with an additional $20 billion still needed, and is being managed by a single prime integrator, Peraton, under a performance-based contract. Key upgrades include thousands of new radios, hundreds of new radars, and expanded weather monitoring infrastructure, with telecommunications identified as the top priority.