JWA Noise Control Briefing

Nearly 50 interested North Tustin and Orange community members attended a briefing on air traffic noise control at the John Wayne Airport offices, July 29, 2003. The event was hosted by the Airport staff and coordinated by the Foothill Communities Association noise study group. The presentation included welcoming remarks from Third District Supervisor Bill Campbell, and an extensive overview of the history of JWA and the flight patterns over the area, by Alan Murphy, Airport Director.

Most questions concerned what is being done to reduce the noise of inbound aircraft, over North Tustin, Orange and the surrounding areas.

Mr. Murphy presented the history of noise control in the area and noted several key facts. It is clear that JWA is the most "controlled" airport in the USA. A curfew in place prohibits commercial aircraft from using JWA from 11 PM to 7 AM. This curfew was recently extended through 2015 as part of the revised Settlement Agreement. In addition, Murphy and Eric Freed, Access Manger, presented material that outlined the noise control features of the area. The locations of the noise monitoring stations were identified and the actions associated with enforcement were reviewed. Three violations can result in denial of use from JWA. Murphy emphasized that JWA does rigorously enforce the rules and closely monitors the data from the noise monitoring stations. He noted that one of the major airlines had been fined $300,000 for violations - the airlines take this issue seriously.

Many in attendance were skeptical about the enforcement. However, following the meeting most felt the noise problem was receiving serious attention. Still, many voiced complaints. However, the Quarterly Noise Abatement report for the quarter ending March 2003, noted 12 calls (out of 278) from attendee communities. The number to call to report a complaint is 949-252-5185.

The trend is toward quieter aircraft. In 1990, the MD80 was the quietest aircraft operating from JWA. Today, it is the noisiest. Several points were noted about noise problems. Increased noise on the ground can be caused by low clouds, the sequencing of inbound aircraft can cause equipment setting changes that increase noise, and flying at low altitude.

The presentation used the internet-based aircraft tracking system that is available on the JWA website and can be reached at www.ocair.com. These flight tracks are displayed by the abstracting data from the radar equipment.

After the briefing the attendees were given a tour of the Access and Noise Office, and computer generator displays that store and keep track of patterns, altitude and noise data for three months. All this is part of the operational system. The JWA team is full time monitoring each in bound and out bound flight.

The Foothill Communities Association noise study group included Jack Mallincrodt, Hal Marshal, Chad Ohanian, Jim Pollak and Bruce Junor. This team spent many hours with the JWA folks getting into the regulation process and rules. Most of their phone numbers can be found on the FCA Directors webpage.