Q: What is the impact of the Part 150 Study on current noise abatement and noise mitigation programs?
A: The City of
Q: What topics will the Part 150 Study examine?
A: The Part 150 Study Update has ten primary components. They are:
- Inventory of Existing Conditions
- Forecasts of Aviation Activity
- Noise Measurements
- Prepare Existing Noise Exposure Contours
- Prepare Future Base Line Noise Exposure Contours
- Evaluate Existing and Future Noise Impacts
- Examine Noise Abatement Alternatives
- Examine Noise Mitigation Alternatives
- Recommended Noise Compatibility Program
- City of
Q: What products will the Part 150 Study produce?
A: The Part 150 Study Update will produce a variety of maps and three primary reports. These include the:
- 1999 Existing Noise Exposure Map
- 2005 Noise Exposure Map
- Noise Exposure Map (NEM) report
- Noise Compatibility Program (NCP) report
- Noise Measurement Summary report
Q: What is a Noise Exposure Map?
A: Noise Exposure Maps are developed using a specialized computer model developed by the Federal Aviation Administration known as the Integrated Noise Model, or INM. Often called "contour" maps, because they define bands of points of equal day-night average sound level (DNL), noise exposure maps illustrate where aircraft noise occurs in and around an airport and at what sound level. The FAA has specified criteria for the presentation of Noise Exposure Maps in Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR) Part 150.
Aircraft noise contours
generally follow the flight paths of aircraft. DNL values are calculated by the
INM using data supplied by a technician. Specific data "fed into" the
INM include the number and type of aircraft flying in and out of the Airport,
runway use (i.e, which runway does the aircraft use),
flight paths (the path that pilots fly to arrive at and depart from the
airport) and flight profiles. A 10 decibel (10 dBA)
penalty is applied to flights that occur during the hours of
The FAA only requires the consideration of "significant" noise levels, aircraft noise levels of DNL 65 to 75 in the environs of airports, however, this study will produce contour maps down to the 60 DNL level to accommodate community interest. Each noise exposure map will show contours in 5 decibel (dB) increments from 60 to 75 DNL.
Q: What are field noise measurements?
A: The Part 150 Study Update will include an extensive field noise monitoring/ noise measurement program. Approximately 40 sites around the airport have been selected for inclusion in the noise measurement program which will consist of two separate noise measurement sessions. Larson Davis Model 700, 720, and 820 sound level meters will be set up at the selected locations to collect 10 days of continuous noise level data. Single event noise measurements will also be conducted at selected locations.
Field noise measurements
are conducted to allow the calibration of the Integrated Noise Model (INM) to
conditions that exist at a particular Airport. The project team is conducting
two separate noise measurement sessions to gain a greater understanding of the
effects that different airport operating and weather conditions play in the
dissemination of noise in the vicinity of
Q: What will be included in the Study Recommendations?
A: The ultimate purpose of the study
is to produce recommendations for actions to be taken by the airport, local
municipalities, the airlines, and the FAA which might individually or in
combination reduce the impact of noise on residential neighborhoods in the
vicinity of
Q: What is the expected duration of the FAR Part 150 Study?
A: It is expected that the study will last approximately 18 months.
Q: How do I participate in the FAR Part 150 Study?
A: The Part 150 Study Update has an extensive public participation process with established committees, public workshops, meetings and briefings, as well as a variety of public information materials including this Web Site.
There are many ways to participate in this study.
- Attend public workshops.
- Post your comments via the comment form on this web site. The comment form is accessed via "Comments" from the FAR Part 150 Home Page.
- Call the Airport Noise Mitigation Manager:
A Public Involvement overview outlining all the activities of the Part 150 Update Study is posted on this web site. It is accessible via the "Public Involvement" button.