TagFAA(514)

A legal review of the FAA's new Aircraft Noise Advisory Committee (ANAC) finds that while the committee includes community representatives, aviation industry members are likely to outnumber and outvote them, limiting residents' real influence over noise policy decisions. The review also raises concerns that key technical work done in subcommittees may happen outside public view, with no requirement for minority reports when community members are overruled. The author recommends the FAA adopt clearer voting rules, guaranteed community seats on subcommittees, and routine public disclosure of meeting records and competing recommendations.

A black-and-white site plan map labeled 'Figure 2. SEA-TAC INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT,' showing the airport's runway configuration, taxiways, terminal area, and surrounding road network. A north arrow is included in the lower left corner, orienting the map with runways running roughly east-west.

The FAA extends its April 20, 2026, order limiting scheduled aircraft operations at Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) through October 30, 2027. The extension is necessitated by ongoing construction projects and airfield adjustments expected to continue through Summer 2027, which continue to limit airport capacity. The order was issued by FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford and

The City of Des Moines, WA provided its City Council with an update on the Sustainable Airport Master Plan (SAMP) for Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, following the FAA's September 2025 approval of 31 near-term expansion projects — including 19 new gates, a second terminal, and cargo facilities. The Port of Seattle launched a state-level environmental review (SEPA) in May 2026, releasing a Draft Environmental Impact Statement with a 60-day public comment period. Des Moines is collaborating with the cities of Burien and SeaTac through an Interlocal Agreement to submit coordinated comments, with the final report expected in 2027.