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Updated 03/31/2006
Air Emissions: The impact of aircraft emissions on
the environment is subject to debate. As aircraft operate all over the world,
environmental efforts are debated on an international level. A source of information
of the impact of aviation on the environment is the International
Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
Locally, the Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG) air quality model,
assigns aviation emissions 2% to 3% of the total valley air emissions. Most of the
air emissions or concern consist of carbon dioxide (CO2) and nitrogen oxide (NOx)
emissions. Propeller aircraft burn unleaded aviation gasoline, while jet aircraft burn jet
fuel which is similar to diesel fuel. Jet exhaust is sometimes visible from older
aircraft and is roughly equivalent to the type of emissions that emanate from diesel cars
and trucks. Occasionally concerns are raised about fuel being vented by aircraft in
flight. Fuel venting in flight is an extremely rare occurrence.
Ground vehicles contribute the majority of air emissions on a daily basis
in the Phoenix Metropolitan area. The recent newspaper article noted that air
quality monitors in Phoenix had almost no change during the two-day period when all
commercial and private aircraft operations were suspend at Sky Harbor airport following
the terrorist attacks (Arizona Republic, September 19, 2001, "Ozone levels same
despite halt in flights " Authors - Mary Jo Pitzl & Betty Beard).
Additionally, a significant research effort to reduce future aircraft
engine emissions is taking place at NASA (Aircraft Emissions).
Noise: The Technical Information Paper below is an
appendix to the 1997 Scottsdale Airport Noise Compatibility Study and discusses the
Effects of Noise Exposure on people. Measuring the Impact of Noise on People - Technical Information Paper. (pdf / 215 KB / 9 pages)
NASA (Noise reduction)
is also currently
engaged in research efforts to reduce aircraft noise emissions. Additionally, there
is a significant international dialog about adopting a new quieter Stage 4 standard at the
ICAO CAEP, and a possible phase out of
Stage 3 aircraft that are only marginally complaint by 5db.
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