TagNoise Abatement Procedures(103)

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.

This January 2018 progress update from ESA presents an analysis of aircraft arrivals at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), examining whether notable changes occurred between 2013, 2015, and 2017. The study uses radar flight track data from July and December of each year to compare fleet mix, runway usage, and aircraft altitudes at six nautical miles from the airport. Key questions addressed include whether arrival numbers increased, whether traffic flow patterns shifted between north and south flow, and whether arriving aircraft were flying at different altitudes over the study period.

The City of Phoenix Aviation Department's 2018 Annual Noise Report covers noise exposure trends across Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX), Phoenix Deer Valley (DVT), and Phoenix Goodyear (GYR) airports for calendar year 2018. The report recorded 434,252 total operations at PHX, 53,280 noise complaints, and a 99.65% compliance rate with noise abatement procedures. Key highlights include FAA community workshops, implementation of updated flight departure routes, renewal of the Noise and Operations Management System contract, and passage of the FAA Reauthorization bill containing nearly 20 noise-related provisions.

The Highline Forum, a regional body representing cities near Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, met in May 2012 to discuss Sea-Tac's noise abatement procedures, including how the airport manages north and south flow air traffic patterns and monitors airline compliance rates. Port of Seattle staff acknowledged that the airport has limited formal enforcement tools for noise compliance, relying instead on collaboration with the FAA to identify and address patterns of non-compliance. A follow-up meeting was scheduled for July 25, 2012, at Burien City Hall to continue discussions on community and port issues.

This document outlines flight procedures for Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (Sea-Tac) designed to reduce noise impacts on surrounding communities, covering both North Flow and South Flow operations. Key rules include restrictions on eastbound turns during nighttime hours (10 p.m.–6 a.m.), minimum altitude and distance requirements before turning, and designated corridors for arrivals and departures over Puget Sound and Elliott Bay. Compliance data from March 2012 shows that 89 out of 2,431 daytime South Flow eastbound arrivals turned south of the 520 Bridge early, violating the preferred procedure, with Alaska Airlines (ASA) and Southwest Airlines (SWA) accounting for the largest shares of non-compliant flights.

The Highline Forum, a community advisory group connecting the Port of Seattle with nearby cities including Burien, SeaTac, and Des Moines, held meetings in early 2012 to discuss Sea-Tac Airport-related issues including noise abatement procedures, the Port's Century Agenda economic development goals, and a cleanup update for the Lora Lake contamination site. The May 23, 2012 agenda featured a dedicated session on noise abatement procedures presented by Port of Seattle Noise Programs representative Stan Shepherd, alongside discussions on refining the Forum's structure and Highline Public Schools' Capital Facilities Plan. Draft minutes from the March 28, 2012 meeting document community leaders raising concerns about job quality, regional transportation infrastructure, and tourism development in the Southwest King County area surrounding the airport.

The Highline Forum held a public meeting on January 25, 2012, at the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport Conference Center, running from 2:30 to 4:00 pm. The agenda included a presentation on Noise Abatement Procedures by Stan Shepherd of the Port of Seattle, along with updates on community and port issues, election of a new Community Co-chair, and public comments. This draft agenda reflects the forum's ongoing role in addressing airport noise policy and community concerns related to Sea-Tac Airport operations.

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.

The Port of Seattle introduced the Fly Quiet Committee at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport to find innovative ways to reduce aircraft noise impacts on surrounding communities. The committee, made up of local citizens, city staff, and aviation representatives, developed seven key recommendations including creating detailed compliance reports, launching an airline incentive program modeled after Chicago O'Hare's point-based system, and addressing ground run-up noise through increased fines and new technologies. The report also outlines existing noise abatement flight procedures governing how aircraft depart and arrive at Sea-Tac to minimize noise over residential areas.