TagFAA(481)

This FAA Advisory Circular (AC 36-1H) published in 2001 and updated in 2012 provides official noise level data for U.S.-certificated and foreign aircraft, including turbojet and propeller-driven planes tested under 14 CFR Part 36 and ICAO Annex 16 standards. Noise measurements, expressed in Effective Perceived Noise Levels (EPNdB), cover takeoff, sideline, and approach conditions and are organized across multiple appendices by aircraft type and compliance stage. The document serves as a reference for tracking progress in aircraft noise reduction and supports noise policy decisions at airports across the United States.

This section of U.S. transportation law restricts how airports receiving federal assistance can spend their revenues, generally limiting spending to airport capital and operating costs. However, it explicitly clarifies that nothing in the law prevents the use of airport revenue—on or off airport grounds—for noise mitigation purposes, which is directly relevant to communities affected by airport noise such as those near Sea-Tac. Additional provisions outline exceptions for prior financing agreements and the sale of private airports to public sponsors.

The Northwest Mountain Regional Airport Plan (RAP) 2012 outlines the FAA's priorities for airport system development across the Northwest Mountain Region, covering safety improvements, runway upgrades, and investment strategies for 136 focus airports. The plan addresses key initiatives such as runway safety areas, wildlife hazard assessments, and preparation for NextGen technologies, with funding decisions guided by a regional Board of Directors overseeing the Airport Improvement Program. Note that this document covers regional airport planning broadly and does not specifically address Sea-Tac Airport noise policy.

This document outlines the Runway Use Agreement between the FAA and the Port of Seattle at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (Sea-Tac), effective December 6, 2010. It establishes preferred runway assignments for arrivals and departures under various weather and traffic conditions, while making clear that safety and air traffic management always take priority. The agreement does not change existing FAA practices but aims to provide consistency and transparency for the public regarding how runways are used.

This document is Appendix N of the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport Part 150 Noise Compatibility Study Update, compiled by Landrum & Brown in October 2013. It contains the FAA's official approval, dated August 19, 2010, of the aviation activity forecast submitted by Sea-Tac Airport in July 2010. The FAA determined that the forecast provided adequate justification for total aircraft operations and authorized its use in the airport's Noise Compatibility Plan Update.

This December 2009 presentation by Kenneth J. Plotkin of Wyle Laboratories examines the history of aviation noise impact research, tracing how noise metrics evolved over time and what was learned—or lost—along the way. It outlines the FAA's Aviation Noise Impacts Research Roadmap, whose goals include improving understanding of annoyance and sleep disruption, developing exposure-to-impact assessments, and informing policy, mitigation strategies, and cost-benefit models. The presentation emphasizes the importance of learning from past research efforts to avoid repeating mistakes in future noise policy decisions.

This October 2009 FAA Air Traffic Organization document explains the terms, techniques, and programs used to manage the flow of air traffic across the National Airspace System. It covers topics such as ground delay programs, ground stops, severe weather avoidance, rerouting strategies, and coordination tools used by traffic management specialists. While focused on national-level airspace operations rather than airport-specific noise policy, it provides useful background on how flight scheduling and routing decisions are made system-wide.

The FAA Airport Compliance Manual (Order 5190.6B), effective September 30, 2009, provides guidance to FAA personnel on ensuring that airport sponsors meet their federal obligations when they accept federal funds or property for airport purposes. It analyzes grant assurances, surplus property conditions, and other legal commitments that airports must uphold, and outlines the compliance program's objectives, responsibilities, and enforcement procedures. The manual is administered by the FAA's Airport Compliance Division and serves as the authoritative reference for interpreting and managing airport sponsor obligations nationwide.