TagFAA(797)

This glossary from an FAA planning document defines key aviation terms used in airport operations and air traffic control, including types of aircraft operations (local and itinerant), radar systems, and airspace classifications. It covers planning concepts such as the Airport Master Plan, Airport Layout Plan, and Airport System Planning, as well as operational facilities like the Airport Traffic Control Tower and Air Route Traffic Control Center. These definitions provide a standardized reference for understanding airport development, airspace management, and noise-related policy discussions at facilities like Sea-Tac Airport.

This map illustrates the F.A.A. density guidelines for the North Sea-Tac Park area, showing recommended population limits per acre across different airport safety zones. The Clear Zone nearest the runway allows the fewest people (approximately 1.5 per acre), while the Extended Clear Zone permits around 2 people per acre, and surrounding residential areas are guided toward densities of 20 to 40 people per acre. A gymnasium is specifically noted at 60 people during games, reflecting how land use intensity is regulated based on proximity to airport flight paths.

This draft report from the King County Policy Development Commission's Land Use Committee outlines the planning process for the Sea-Tac Communities Plan, a joint effort between King County and the Port of Seattle funded by a $640,000 FAA grant awarded in 1972. The plan aimed to concurrently develop a master plan for Sea-Tac International Airport and a companion land-use plan for surrounding communities most affected by airport noise and operations. A Policy Advisory Committee representing government agencies, consultants, and community groups oversaw the process, which moved through four phases covering data collection, site analysis, alternative plan development, and final recommendations for adoption by both the King County Council and the Seattle Port Commission.

This document is a technical annex to the U.S. Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Sinks Inventory, outlining the methodologies used to measure and categorize national greenhouse gas emissions from 1990 to 2015. It identifies 'key categories' — the emission sources with the greatest impact on total national greenhouse gas levels, trends, and uncertainty — using standardized IPCC guidelines. The largest emission sources identified include road transportation, coal-fired electricity generation, and natural gas combustion across industrial, residential, and commercial sectors.

In a July 2022 congressional hearing, Chairman Ro Khanna highlighted the health dangers of leaded aviation fuel (Avgas) still used in small general aviation aircraft, noting that children near airports in communities of color face blood lead levels exceeding those seen during the Flint water crisis. The statement criticizes the FAA and EPA for failing to act urgently on phasing out leaded fuel, despite the existence of viable unleaded alternatives, and accuses oil companies and aviation industry groups of deliberately delaying the transition. Khanna calls on federal agencies to accelerate approval of lead-free fuel options, involve affected communities in decision-making, and use infrastructure funding to support the switch to unleaded aviation fuel.

The ELMAA Four Departure is a standard instrument departure procedure for Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) that routes aircraft southward after takeoff on runways 16L, 16C, or 16R. Departing aircraft climb on headings of 161°–165°, cross the PEAKK waypoint at or above 3,000 feet, then turn right to intercept the SEA R-230 radial toward the ELMAA fix, with onward transitions available to Hoquiam (HQM) or Corvallis (CVO). Notably, departures from runways 34L, 34C, and 34R are not authorized due to noise abatement restrictions, and minimum climb gradients of up to 560 feet per nautical mile are required depending on the runway used.

The Mountain Two Departure (MONTN2.SEA) is an instrument departure procedure for Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) that provides pilots with specific climb and routing instructions based on which runway they are using. Departing aircraft must meet minimum climb gradients ranging from 500 to 580 feet per nautical mile depending on the runway, and are directed to fly specific headings before turning eastbound on a 071° heading toward fixes like PEAKK or NEZUG. The procedure requires radar and DME equipment, with top altitude assigned by ATC and a lost communications protocol directing pilots to proceed direct to the SEA VORTAC at 4,000 feet.