Aircraft Noise Reduction Act
The Aircraft Noise Reduction Act would give owners or operators of general aviation airports the ability to work with the FAA to implement noise-reducing accommodations by adjusting air traffic and training patterns for noncommercial charter flights. These adjustments would be made to meet aircraft noise limitations, with care taken to involve community input and to ensure they do not violate existing laws. Federal funding cannot be conditioned on or denied solely because of actions taken under this authority. The bill also requires the Department of Transportation to update regulations to support effective noise abatement for general aviation airports and defines what counts as a general aviation airport for purposes of this authority. In emergencies, the FAA may reject or temporarily restrict an accommodation. Overall, the bill aims to empower local airports to pursue quieter operations in collaboration with the FAA, while preserving safety and funding constraints.
Key Points
- 1Authority to coordinate with the FAA and adjust air traffic and training patterns for noncommercial charter flights to implement noise limits, upon request by a general aviation airport owner/operator.
- 2Requirement to take into account input from communities surrounding the airport when implementing reasonable accommodations.
- 3Protection for federal funding: no federal funds can be withheld, withdrawn, or denied solely due to actions taken under this authority.
- 4Emergency provision: the FAA may reject or temporarily restrict an accommodation as necessary in case of an emergency.
- 5Regulatory updates and definitions: the Secretary of Transportation must issue regulations to update parts 150 and 161 of the CFR to enable noise abatement measures by GA airports; it also defines a general aviation airport as a noncertified airport covered by part 139 of CFR.