TagFAA(684)

Aviation noise consultant Vince Mestre explains to the Port of Seattle why changing the FAA's 65 DNL noise contour standard — the threshold used to determine acceptable aircraft noise near residential areas — would likely require an act of Congress rather than a simple regulatory update. The 65 DNL standard is embedded in at least three federal regulations and orders (CFR 14 Parts 150 and 161, and FAA Order 1050.1F), all of which trace their authority back to enabling legislation such as the Aviation Safety and Noise Abatement Act (ASNA) of 1978 and the Airport Noise and Capacity Act (ANCA) of 1990. Because the FAA's rulemaking authority is granted and bounded by those Congressional statutes, modifying ASNA would most likely be required before the FAA could formally lower or otherwise change the noise compatibility standard.

The Sound Insulation Treatment Repair and Replacement Program Act, introduced by Rep. Adam Smith (WA-09), would allow the FAA to waive a rule that currently prevents airports from using Airport Improvement Program (AIP) funds to repair or replace sound insulation in the same home more than once. The bill addresses problems caused by faulty materials and poor installation during noise mitigation programs in the 1980s and 1990s, which have led to structural damage and mold in some homes near airports like Sea-Tac. Eligible homeowners must have their issues verified by an FAA-compliant noise auditor, and repairs are generally limited to residences still within the airport's current 65 DNL noise contour.

H.R. 2533, the Sound Insulation Treatment Repair and Replacement Program Act, was introduced in April 2023 to allow airports to receive additional federal funding to repair or replace previously installed sound insulation in homes affected by aircraft noise. The bill allows the Secretary of Transportation to grant a one-time waiver so that prior government spending on a home's soundproofing does not count against the allowable project cost for new work. Homes are eligible if they fall within the FAA's DNL 65 noise standard or if an FAA-certified auditor determines that the original soundproofing caused physical damage to the residence.

The Port of Seattle submitted comments to the FAA in April 2023 regarding proposed rules for airport air carrier incentive programs, arguing that airports should have broad flexibility to design their own incentive programs rather than follow a rigid list of prohibited practices. Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), which has run a New Air Service Incentive Program for over 15 years, raised concerns about a blanket ban on transferring funds to carriers, arguing that reimbursing carriers for pre-approved marketing activities should not be considered a prohibited subsidy. The Port also sought clarification on eligibility rules for competitive services and the 30-day public notice requirement for incentive agreements.

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.

This 2023 study, prepared by aviation consulting firm Vianair for the City of Alexandria, Virginia, assesses aircraft noise impacts on communities south of Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) and proposes solutions acceptable to the FAA. The work involves analyzing historical flight operations and noise exposure data from 2014–2019, examining changes in flight paths and procedures, and developing recommendations to reduce noise for residents in Alexandria, Fairfax County, and Prince George's County. The findings are intended to be accessible to the general public and local policymakers, not just aviation experts.