TagFAA(684)

In April 2017, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) presented a NextGen briefing to the Port of Seattle Commission, outlining the agency's initiative to modernize the U.S. air traffic system. NextGen aims to improve safety, reduce flight delays, cut fuel consumption and emissions, and handle growing air travel demand. The briefing is relevant to Sea-Tac Airport stakeholders as these airspace changes can directly affect flight paths and noise impacts on surrounding communities.

A petition to the Port of Seattle Commission requesting the addition of two noise monitors on Vashon Island to monitor aircraft noise from new FAA NextGen flight procedures. The petition cites concerns about focused flight paths over Vashon Island at low altitudes affecting approximately 250 arrivals per day in Southflow operations.

This EPA report tracks U.S. greenhouse gas emissions and sinks from 1990 to 2015, covering sources such as transportation, agriculture, industry, and waste. It was published by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in 2017 and is available for download on the EPA website. Note: this document does not appear to contain information relevant to Sea-Tac Airport noise policy.

This EPA report summarizes U.S. greenhouse gas emissions data from 1990 to 2015, showing that total emissions reached 6,587 million metric tons of CO2 equivalent in 2015, a 2.3% decrease from 2014 levels. Carbon dioxide makes up the largest share at 82% of emissions, with electricity generation and transportation being the biggest contributing economic sectors at 29% and 27% respectively. The report includes detailed emissions breakdowns by gas type, economic sector, and fuel source, along with unit conversion tables and global warming potential values for reference.

A Title 14 CFR Part 150 Final Noise Exposure Map Report for JFK International Airport prepared by Environmental Science Associates and other consulting firms for the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey. The report addresses federal aviation noise regulations and mapping requirements.

Final Noise Exposure Map Report for LaGuardia Airport prepared under Title 14 CFR Part 150 by Environmental Science Associates and other consulting firms for the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey. This report addresses federal requirements for airport noise compatibility planning.

Selected docket entries for Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals case 17-70438, City of Burien v. Federal Aviation Administration and Michael P. Huerta. Covers petition for review filed 02/14/2017 through 05/17/2018, including extensive mediation conference schedule, multiple extensions of administrative record filing deadlines, and repeated amendments to briefing schedule for petitioner’s opening brief and respondent’s answering

This 2017 industry report examines the rapid growth of small drones (sUAS) and the challenges they pose for airport operators, noting that the FAA projected over 7 million drones in operation by 2020. It outlines FAA registration requirements, commercial operating rules, and restrictions such as the prohibition on flying within five miles of an airport without prior approval. The report also highlights increasing drone sightings near airports and aircraft, and discusses industry initiatives aimed at safely integrating drones into national airspace.