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Updated 3/17/06
Scottsdale Airport is one element of a national air transportation system and plays a
vital link in the regional general aviation
system
while
striving to be a leader in noise abatement efforts. However, many different organizations
share responsibility for various elements of a noise abatement program and airport
operators are just one of many responsible parties. The various participants in the
aircraft noise abatement issues and their roles are as follows:
The Federal Government
The national air transportation exists today primarily through Federal legislation and
every facet is governed Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations. The FAA
exercises control of aircraft noise through:
- Establishing aircraft noise emissions standards
Aircraft are certified by the government under Federal Aviation
Regulation (FAR) Part 36 for various levels of noise emissions. All newly
manufactured jet aircraft are certified to quiet "Stage 3" standards, however,
many noisier "Stage 2" business jet aircraft are still permitted to operate
without as no mandatory noise-reducing "hushkits" are yet required for these
aircraft. There is an ongoing international dialog about developing a new quieter
"Stage 4" standard.
More Information
- Managing the Air Traffic Control System
The Federal Aviation Act of 1958 established the management of navigable airspace a
Federal responsibility. The FAA has been tasked as the Agency responsible for operating
the airspace safely and efficiently. Airspace in the Phoenix Metro area is controlled
primarily by the Phoenix Hub &
Terminal Radar Approach Control (TRACON) which supervises the Scottsdale Air Traffic Control Tower
and other valley
airport FAA Air Traffic Control Towers. The Phoenix Hub also is co-sponsoring the Phoenix Airspace User Working Group
(PAUWG) made up of
aviation stakeholders throughout the region that periodically meets to discuss technical
airspace issues. More information on air traffic and noise may also be found at the
FAA’s Western Pacific Region – Air Traffic Environmental Page.
- Licensing of Airmen & Enforcement of Flight Regulations
Pilots are trained under strict guidelines in procedures that are intended to be uniform
at airports across the country. Noise abatement awareness is part of the required
pilot training curriculum. Federal regulations dictate Pilot responsibilities, and
the FAA is responsible for ensuring pilots comply with Air Traffic Control Instructions
and flight regulations. The Flight Standards District
Office (FSDO)
regulates this activity.
- Noise Compatibility Studies
14
CFR Parts 150 & 161 govern airport noise compatibility studies and local
airport operators' ability to enact new noise regulations.
State of Arizona
State regulation of aircraft in flight is preempted by Federal law, however, State
regulations do affect disclosure of aircraft flight paths and noise. Arizona Revised Statute
28-8486 Public Airport Disclosure requires the recording of public airport disclosure
maps. The maps provide information to prospective homebuyers as well as current
homeowners. Additionally, the State Division of Aeronautics regulates other aspects of
aviation, but not aircraft in flight.
Local Government
Local governments have authority that governs land use planning, zoning and other local
building codes. Prior to 1991, some local governments passed regulations on aircraft in
flight, however, Congress severely limited local governments from enacting any new
regulations by passing the Airport Noise and Capacity Act of 1990 (ANCA). This has
resulted in a only small number of airports having local "grandfathered" noise
regulations, while ANCA has effectively prohibited any new local regulations since its
passage. More information
Airport Operators
Airport operators are responsible for the planning, development and maintenance of the
airfield. While airports have no authority to govern aircraft operations while in the
airspace, Federal law dictates that airport operators are the focal point for noise
complaints.
Aircraft & Engine Manufacturers
Aircraft Manufacturers aare charged with building
aircraft that are safe and comply with Federal noise regulations. Newer engines are
quieter and more efficient, and significant debate exists about the issue of requiring
retrofitting of older jet aircraft with new, quieter engines.
Pilots
Aircraft operators are responsible for operating their aircraft safely,
while in compliance with Federal
Aviation Regulations governing flight and Air Traffic Control instructions. The national and
local pilot associations actively encourage their members to "fly friendly" and
exercise noise abatement procedures whenever possible.
Residents
The Federal Aviation Noise
Abatement Policy 2000, (pdf / 341kb / 23pgs) available through the
Transource website states that "current and prospective residents in areas
surrounding airports should seek to understand the aircraft noise problem and what steps
can and cannot be taken to minimize its effects. Prospective home buyers should research
the location of airports and flight paths and determine if aircraft noise would affect
their quality of life." The City of Scottsdale is working with developers, residents
and realtors regarding noise disclosure to ensure noise sensitive homebuyers are informed
about aircraft noise and flight paths, and can make an informed decision before purchasing
a home.
15000 N. Airport Drive, 2nd Floor, Scottsdale, AZ 85260
(480) 312-2321 (480) 312-8480 Fax
(Located
at Butherus Drive and North Airport Drive) see map