This white paper analyzes the noise-related provisions of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 (H.R. 302), which reauthorized the FAA through fiscal year 2023 and included 14 provisions directly or indirectly addressing aircraft noise. Key measures require the FAA to study alternative noise metrics to replace the Day-Night Average Sound Level (DNL) standard, update Noise Exposure Maps when operations change significantly, and consider dispersal headings for new flight procedures to reduce community noise impacts. Seattle is among the cities specifically identified for a health impacts study related to aviation noise, making these provisions particularly relevant to Sea-Tac Airport stakeholders.Open full document
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HMMH’s analysis of the noise provisions in the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 (H.R. 302, Pub.L. 115–254), which reauthorizes the FAA through fiscal year 2023. The white paper summarizes the fourteen noise-related provisions in Subtitle D, categorized into studies, NextGen, supersonic, and miscellaneous topics. It provides a table of each provision along with implications for US airports.