TagNoise Monitors(22)

This document outlines the Fly Quiet Program at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) in Washington, D.C., describing the airport's efforts to reduce aircraft noise impacts on surrounding communities. Key measures include FAA-approved flight procedures, a nighttime noise rule with financial penalties for violations between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m., limits on engine run-ups, and requests to airlines to use quieter aircraft. The program also operates a public noise complaint system, flight-tracking tools, and a noise monitoring network to keep residents informed and engaged.

The Port of Seattle Commission held a regular meeting on May 13, 2025, covering a range of operational and administrative items, including a consent agenda item (8h) authorizing a contract extension with Passur for its Noise Monitoring and Flight Tracking System for up to ten years at a cost not to exceed $4,000,000. The meeting was held both in person at Port of Seattle Headquarters and virtually via Microsoft Teams, with public comment accepted by email, phone, or in person. Additional agenda items addressed airport infrastructure, ADA compliance, airfield equipment, and labor agreements.

This 2022 FAA guidance letter explains how airports can legally spend airport revenue on noise insulation projects, such as new windows, doors, and air conditioning, for homes and schools located within the DNL 65 dBA noise contour — the federal threshold for significant aircraft noise impact. Spending airport revenue on noise insulation for properties outside that noise boundary is generally prohibited as revenue diversion, unless a lower local noise standard has been officially adopted or 'block rounding' has been approved. The letter also clarifies that airports may purchase mobile or permanent noise monitoring equipment using airport revenue, provided certain conditions are met, but monitors cannot be used to enforce noise abatement flight procedures.

The Highline Forum held a virtual meeting on July 21, 2021, hosted by Highline College, covering updates on 2021 Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) flight activity, temporary noise monitor installations, and federal aviation policy. The meeting, conducted via Microsoft Teams, featured presentations by Port of Seattle staff and Aviation Director Lance Lyttle, with public comments accepted by email or live video link. The document also lists all six Highline Forum meeting dates for 2021, with hosts rotating among local entities including the cities of Burien, Federal Way, Tukwila, and SeaTac.