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(Updated 02/27/2006)
This page provides our citizens and customers timely updates on noise abatement, noise compatibility planning, and other aeronautical issues.
Scottsdale Airport “Fly Neighborly" Program – ongoing noise abatement, pilot communication and community outreach efforts
- Noise complaint data is collected to track trends and identify problem areas.
- Updated noise abatement information displays and Pilot Guides are provided to flight academies and pilots using Scottsdale Airport (SDL).
- Airport staff assisted the Federal Aviation Administration SDL control tower with the development and implementation of the Helicopter Letter of Agreement (LOA) and arrival and departure maps on June 1, 2004. This new LOA replaces the former 1999 Helicopter (Pecos) LOA.
- Scottsdale Airport's Helicopter Pilot Guide (pdf/1.2mb/2pp) and noise abatement procedures was developed from the FAA's Helicopter LOA and distributed to all helicopter operators throughout Arizona and as requested in some surrounding areas.
- Pilot "Good Neighbor" Pledge program to document pilot support and compliance with Scottsdale noise abatement efforts.
- Any "late night/early morning" arrivals/departures that utilize Scottsdale Airport are sent an information letter that promotes our voluntary curfew from 10:00 p.m. until 6:00 a.m.
- Production of a pilot educational video in CD ROM and web viewing format to educate pilots about our noise abatement program, along with airfield security, airfield driving procedures, hangar storage, and environmental compliance. The Aviation Division is also looking into having this video continuously run in kiosks in the FBO facilities for transient pilots to view.
- Regional Flight Schools, FAA, and airports now meeting bi-monthly to discuss safety, pilot education and noise abatement efforts at the Arizona Flight Training Working Group (AFTW)
- Continuing Homeowner Outreach program for dissemination of current airport issues information.
- Realtor outreach program helps educate Realtors and potential homebuyers on Scottsdale Airport operations and the dynamics of air space in the community.
Scottsdale Airport Noise Compatibility Plan Update
(14 CFR Part 150 Study)
The 2005 Noise Compatibility Plan updates the 1997 Plan, and included a public process that evaluated current and future aircraft noise influences, and proposed potential new solutions to reduce aircraft noise; and updated noise contours were also developed under this study. Funding for this Study was approximately $300,000 (90% Federal, 5% State and 5% City funds (from Airport user fees). Public workshops were held on October 31, 2003, March 31, 2004, August 5, 2004, and October 26, 2004. Coffman Associates presented an overview of the Study during a work-study session of the Airport Advisory Commission on November 17, 2004. The Public Hearing was held on the AIRPORT NOISE AND LAND USE COMPATIBILITY PLAN UPDATE based on the requirements and guidelines of Title 14 of the Code Federal Regulations Part 150 for Scottsdale Airport on Thursday, January 27, 2005.
The Scottsdale City Council approved the Noise Compatibility Plan Update with a 4 to 3 vote on Tuesday, April 19th, 2005. The results of the update were forwarded to the FAA for final approval.
A copy of the AIRPORT NOISE AND LAND USE COMPATIBILITY PLAN UPDATE can be viewed at the following locations:
- www.ScottsdaleAirport.com/Part150/
- Scottsdale Airport Administrative Office,
2nd Floor, 15000 N. Airport Dr., Scottsdale, AZ
- Civic Center Library, 3839 N. Drinkwater Blvd., Scottsdale, AZ
- Arabian Library, 10187 E. McDowell Mountain Ranch Rd., Scottsdale, AZ
- Mustang Library, 10101 N. 90th St., Scottsdale, AZ
- Palomino Library, 12575 E. Via Linda, Suite 102, Scottsdale, AZ
Radar Service at the TRACON for Scottsdale Airport
The City successfully lobbied to have a radar signal provided to the Scottsdale Air Traffic Control Tower and is now focused on obtaining to-the-ground radar service available at the FAA Terminal Area Radar Control (TRACON) to enable Charted Visual Approach procedures with altitude specifications to be established. The FAA has determined the ASR-8 radar system located at Williams Gateway Airport in the southeast valley does not provide the full coverage of Scottsdale Airport Area as necessary for modifying current procedures. According to the FAA, the radar is expected to be operational by November 2007.
City Council Subcommittee on Regional Aviation Issues
The City Council has formed a Subcommittee on Regional Airspace Planning to oversee the development and implementation of strategic action plans for the City to become more involved in aviation, airspace, and airport planning in the region. This is an ad hoc committee that will meet on an as needed basis.
More information...
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