TagFAA(684)

The Port of Seattle Commission is introducing Resolution 3771 to support the Flight Corridor Safety Program 2019, which involves removing trees near Seattle-Tacoma International Airport that obstruct FAA-designated flight approach and departure paths. The program seeks to acquire permanent easements on private properties to prevent future obstructions and ensure ongoing compliance with FAA regulations and the airport's operating certificate. If voluntary negotiations with property owners fail, the Port is authorized to pursue condemnation as a last resort to secure the necessary property rights.

This FAA Advisory Circular (AC 150/5200-33C), issued February 21, 2020, provides guidance on land uses and development projects near public-use airports that may attract hazardous wildlife such as birds, mammals, and reptiles, which pose serious safety and economic risks to aircraft. It outlines recommended practices for airport operators, land-use planners, and federally funded airport projects to assess and mitigate wildlife hazards, though compliance is voluntary except for airports holding operating certificates under 14 CFR Part 139 or receiving federal grant funding. The document updates and replaces the previous 2007 version of the same circular.

This EPA technical report estimates airborne lead concentrations near U.S. airports caused by piston-engine aircraft burning leaded aviation gasoline (avgas). Using air quality modeling and extrapolation methods, the study identifies airports where lead levels may exceed national air quality standards, particularly in areas close to aircraft run-up zones. While not specific to Sea-Tac Airport, the findings are relevant to understanding aviation-related air quality impacts at airports nationwide.

Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals order filed January 28, 2020 in Case No. 18-71705, City of Burien v. Daniel K. Elwell (Acting Administrator) and Federal Aviation Administration. Panel of Judges Ikuta, Bennett, and Rakoff (sitting by designation from S.D.N.Y.) denies City of Burien’s motion to recall the mandate (Dkt. 61) and request for publication (Dkt.

This January 2020 FAA memorandum explains pilot programs established or sunset by the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018, including programs for non-movement area surveillance systems, remote towers for rural communities, and environmental mitigation. It provides guidance to FAA regional and district office staff on eligibility rules, funding through the Airport Improvement Program (AIP), and sunset dates for each program. Note that this document addresses broad national airport policy and does not contain content specifically related to Sea-Tac Airport noise policy.

This January 2020 FAA document updates a flight procedure at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), allowing the airport's air traffic control tower to automatically direct southbound turboprop aircraft to make a westerly turn shortly after takeoff during north-flow operations, between 6am and 10pm. The change, which applies to roughly 90% of affected turboprop departures, was previously halted after the City of Burien filed a legal challenge. A thorough environmental and noise review found only minor noise increases in some areas, well below the FAA's thresholds requiring further review.

This January 2020 FAA document updates a noise and air traffic policy for Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (Sea-Tac), allowing the airport's control tower to automatically direct southbound turboprop aircraft to make a westerly turn shortly after takeoff during north-flow operations, between 6am and 10pm. The change, originally implemented in 2016 but suspended after a legal challenge by the City of Burien, underwent a thorough environmental and noise review before being reinstated. The FAA determined that while the procedure may slightly concentrate turboprop flight paths, the resulting noise increases remain well below federally established thresholds requiring further environmental review.

Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals mandate in Case No. 18-71705, City of Burien v. Daniel K. Elwell (Acting FAA Administrator) and Federal Aviation Administration. The formal mandate issued January 21, 2020 pursuant to Rule 41(a) of the Federal Rules of Appellate Procedure, giving effect to the court’s judgment entered November 27, 2019. Clerk Molly C.