TagVince Mestre(9)

Vincent Mestre is a California-licensed Professional Engineer with over 40 years of experience in noise control and acoustical engineering, specializing in airport noise studies, environmental impact analyses, and computer modeling. He founded Mestre Greve Associates in 1978, later joined Landrum & Brown, and has conducted noise compatibility studies at more than two dozen U.S. airports, including international consulting work for governments and airport authorities worldwide. His published research and leadership roles in professional organizations have contributed to shaping national and international airport noise policy and monitoring standards.

Aviation noise consultant Vince Mestre explains to the Port of Seattle why changing the FAA's 65 DNL noise contour standard — the threshold used to determine acceptable aircraft noise near residential areas — would likely require an act of Congress rather than a simple regulatory update. The 65 DNL standard is embedded in at least three federal regulations and orders (CFR 14 Parts 150 and 161, and FAA Order 1050.1F), all of which trace their authority back to enabling legislation such as the Aviation Safety and Noise Abatement Act (ASNA) of 1978 and the Airport Noise and Capacity Act (ANCA) of 1990. Because the FAA's rulemaking authority is granted and bounded by those Congressional statutes, modifying ASNA would most likely be required before the FAA could formally lower or otherwise change the noise compatibility standard.

This presentation by Sanford Fidell and Vincent Mestre, delivered at the UC Davis Aviation Noise and Emissions Symposium on February 26, 2021, discusses priorities and predictions for U.S. aircraft noise legislation. It is based on their book 'A Guide to U.S. Aircraft Noise Regulatory Policy,' which covers topics ranging from the history of noise regulation and its effects on communities to airport land use planning, noise mitigation, and potential future changes to regulatory policy.

The StART Aviation Noise Working Group held its first meeting on August 16, 2018, bringing together community stakeholders, airlines, the FAA, and Port of Seattle representatives to discuss strategies for reducing aircraft noise around Sea-Tac Airport. The group reviewed four potential near-term approaches—including a Runway Use Agreement, a Nighttime Voluntary Curfew, Glide Slope and Optimized Profile Descent Analysis, and an Airfield Noise/Reverse Thrust Assessment—all of which were deemed worthy of further exploration. The group agreed to meet monthly and outlined next steps, including gathering night-operations data and drafting a formal work program to guide future action.

The StART Aviation Noise Working Group held its first meeting on August 16, 2018, bringing together community stakeholders, airlines, the FAA, and Port of Seattle representatives to discuss strategies for reducing noise around Sea-Tac Airport. The group reviewed potential near-term actions including a Runway Use Agreement, a Nighttime Voluntary Curfew, Glide Slope and Optimized Profile Descent Analysis, and an Airfield Noise/Reverse Thrust Assessment. Members agreed to meet monthly and identified next steps such as gathering night operations data and drafting a work program to evaluate each noise-reduction strategy.

This 1990 document outlines a comprehensive package of noise abatement actions for Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, agreed upon by a Mediation Committee on March 31, 1990. It covers measures such as nighttime flight restrictions, soundproofing programs for nearby homes and public buildings, improved flight corridors, and a new noise management monitoring system. According to the technical consultant involved, full implementation of these agreements could reduce noise levels by approximately 50% for communities surrounding the airport.