TagReauthorization Act Of 2018(7)

The FAA proposed sweeping new rules in September 2022 governing how airports can use federally acquired or conveyed land for non-aeronautical purposes, such as hotels, warehouses, and car rental facilities. Under the draft policy, airports would need FAA approval for any non-aeronautical or mixed-use activities on such land, with approvals tied strictly to lease terms and requiring renewal each time a lease expires. The changes could significantly increase the regulatory burden on airport sponsors by eliminating the previous practice of permanently designating certain property as non-aeronautical and potentially triggering environmental review requirements under NEPA.

In December 2020, FAA Administrator Steve Dickson transmitted a report to Congress fulfilling a requirement under the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018, which directed the agency to study whether reducing jet aircraft approach and takeoff speeds could meaningfully lower noise for communities surrounding airports. The study was required to assess whether any such speed reductions would compromise aviation safety or reduce the efficiency of the National Airspace System, including effects on airport capacity, travel times, and fuel consumption. The report was sent to key congressional leaders overseeing transportation and commerce policy.

This October 2020 FAA memorandum provides internal guidance to airport district offices on how to implement changes brought by Section 163 of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018, which limited the FAA's authority over airport land use and layout plan approvals. The memo outlines a two-step screening process for reviewing proposed airport land use changes, explaining when the FAA retains approval authority versus when it must simply accept changes. Note that this document addresses general FAA airport oversight procedures nationwide and does not specifically concern Sea-Tac Airport noise policy.

Currently, FAA law has extremely complicated rules for establishing a noise boundary around airports. (A noise boundary is a geographic area inside which there is a certain acceptable noise level.) This is referred to as the DNL65. and it has several major flaws. The FAA Reauthorization Act Of 2018 attempted to address these flaws in several ways. This letter, from a caucus of Congressmen engaged on airport community issues complains to the Administrator that the spirit of the law is not being adhered to and demands that he make attempts to put his agency into compliance. The language is fairly technical, however there are a couple of basic points they raise: First, that the noise boundary be determined by actual noise measurements (currently the noise boundaries are 'modeled' and those calculations often do not reflect in any way the lived experience for residents.) Second, that the 'acceptable' noise level of sixty five decibels (hence DNL65) has been determined to be far too high to conform with current understandings of healthy living.

This January 2020 FAA memorandum explains pilot programs established or sunset by the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018, including programs for non-movement area surveillance systems, remote towers for rural communities, and environmental mitigation. It provides guidance to FAA regional and district office staff on eligibility rules, funding through the Airport Improvement Program (AIP), and sunset dates for each program. Note that this document addresses broad national airport policy and does not contain content specifically related to Sea-Tac Airport noise policy.

The 2018 FAA Reauthorization Act (H.R. 302) includes 14 provisions related to aircraft noise, several of which directly affect airports like Sea-Tac, including requirements for updated noise exposure maps, new community noise concern processes, and health impact studies. Key provisions call on the FAA to study alternative noise metrics to replace the current DNL standard, appoint regional ombudsmen to address noise complaints, and review how NextGen flight path changes have affected surrounding communities. Airports are advised to monitor FAA progress on these studies, as potential changes to the 65 dB DNL threshold and other noise compatibility guidelines could significantly impact community relations and environmental reviews.