TagFly Quiet(23)

The Fly Quiet 2022 Scores rank airlines operating at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) based on four noise-related criteria: takeoff and landing noise levels, adherence to SEA Noise Abatement flight procedures, compliance with ground maintenance engine run-up rules, and limiting late-night noise exceedances between midnight and 5 a.m. Spirit Airlines and Frontier Airlines earned the top overall scores of 696 and 694 respectively, while cargo carriers FedEx Express and China Airlines Cargo ranked at the bottom with scores of 79 and 0, largely due to heavy late-night noise penalties. EVA Airways was recognized as the most improved airline despite receiving a -25 late-night noise penalty.

This white paper by Vianair, Inc. outlines a proposed 'Fly Quiet' noise abatement program for Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), where aircraft are encouraged to fly over the Potomac and Anacostia Rivers to reduce noise impacts on surrounding residential communities. The paper draws on best practices from airports with established Fly Quiet programs, including Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, describing three core program components: operational procedures, conformance monitoring, and community/industry engagement. It explores how elements such as preferential runway use, nighttime operations rules, and optimized flight procedures could be applied at DCA to minimize aircraft noise exposure.

This document consists of an invoice and supporting monthly status report from ABCx2, LLC, a consulting firm, billing Arlington County $59,500 for consulting services performed between April and June 2021. The work, carried out by team members Jim, Jason, and Tim, focused on airplane noise analysis and community engagement efforts related to DCA (Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport), including TAA test data reviews, NOA (Notice of Arrival) presentation preparation, and community working group meetings. The invoice, dated July 12, 2021, was approved for payment on July 29, 2021 by Arlington County's Richard I. Roisman.

This May 2020 update from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport outlines the status of its noise abatement and mitigation programs. Citizen noise complaints were averaging 400 per day, while the Noise Abatement Corridor saw 98% compliance and the Late Night Noise Limitation Program recorded an average of 11 exceedances per night in Q1 2020. COVID-19 delayed sound insulation construction projects for single-family homes and condominiums, pushing estimated start dates into 2021.

This document summarizes six near-term action items developed by the Sea-Tac Airport Stakeholder Advisory Round Table (StART) Aviation Noise Working Group as of November 2019, aimed at reducing aircraft noise for surrounding communities. The actions include a Late-Night Noise Limitation Program, a revised Runway Use Program to limit 3rd Runway use at night, a glide slope adjustment for Runway 34R, a ground noise analysis study, a Noise Abatement Departure Profiles Study, and outreach encouraging airlines to install vortex generators on older A320 aircraft. Each action identifies the responsible parties, current status, and the specific communities expected to benefit from reduced noise levels.

The Sea-Tac Stakeholder Advisory Round Table (StART) Aviation Noise Working Group outlined five near-term action items in 2019 aimed at reducing aircraft noise for communities surrounding Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. These actions include a Late Night Noise Limitation Program to discourage loud flights between midnight and 5 AM, revisions to the Runway Use Plan to limit 3rd Runway use at night, raising the glideslope on Runway 34R to reduce approach noise, a comprehensive ground noise analysis, and a study of 'distant' noise abatement departure profiles. The Port of Seattle, FAA, airlines, and cargo operators share responsibility for implementing these measures, with most initiatives targeted for mid-to-late 2019 completion.

The Late-Night Noise Limitation Program is a voluntary Port of Seattle initiative that monitors aircraft noise at Sea-Tac Airport between 12 a.m. and 5 a.m., using four close-in noise monitors to track takeoffs and landings that exceed established thresholds. Airlines that violate these thresholds receive penalty scores under the Port's Fly Quiet Incentive Program, which has evaluated airline noise compliance since 2005. The program, developed in 2019 as an outcome of the Sea-Tac Stakeholder Advisory Round Table (StART), aims to encourage air carriers to schedule flights during less noise-sensitive hours or switch to quieter aircraft.