TagGlide Slope(12)

This June 2020 StART Aviation Noise Working Group update outlines Seattle-Tacoma International Airport's near-term action plan to reduce aircraft noise impacts on surrounding communities. Key initiatives include a voluntary Late-Night Noise Limitation Program, a revised Runway Use Program to limit third-runway use at night, and a glideslope adjustment for Runway 34R to reduce approach noise. Additional measures include ground noise analysis, a Noise Abatement Departure Profiles Study, and encouraging airlines to install vortex generators on older A320 aircraft to lessen descent noise.

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.

A July 23, 2019 Port of Seattle briefing document outlines the aviation capital planning and preliminary design process for Sea-Tac Airport, covering three phases: completed master planning, advanced planning still in progress, and preliminary design requiring capital funds approval. Key topics include near-term projects, projects requiring preliminary design authorization, and the relocation of a Glideslope Antenna. The preliminary design phase aims to develop individual project programs in sufficient detail to produce a Project Definition Document (PDD) and transition projects into full design.

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 Sea-Tac Stakeholder Advisory Round Table (StART) met on February 27, 2019 to discuss ongoing airport noise reduction efforts, including updates to the Runway Use Agreement, late-night noise limits, and a recommendation to adjust Runway 34R's glideslope to reduce noise impacts on neighboring communities. The meeting also previewed the newly formed Federal Policy Working Group and introduced a concept for reducing taxiing noise by changing how arriving aircraft move to the terminal. Community members and city representatives from SeaTac, Burien, Des Moines, Normandy Park, Tukwila, and Federal Way participated in small group discussions to help set StART's priorities for 2019.

The Aviation Advisory Committee met on February 25, 2019, to discuss issues related to SeaTac Airport, including a 2.75 glide slope exception with the FAA, and Aviation/Transportation bills moving through the Washington State Legislature. Committee members heard public comments on how glide slope changes affect surrounding communities, and were informed that the SAMP scoping report would be posted on the Port of Seattle website following a February 26 meeting. The next meeting was scheduled for March 25, 2019.