About the Study
ABOUT
What is a
Part 150 Study?
WHAT IS IT?
The FAA has designed the Part 150 Study process to be a balanced approach for mitigating the noise impacts of airports upon their neighbors while protecting or increasing both airport access and capacity—as well as maintaining the efficiency of the national aviation system.
WHAT IT IS
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IT IS a program an airport can voluntarily undertake to address noise and land use compatibility
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IT IS a Code of Federal Regulation (CFR): A Part 150 Study is the regulation that implements the Aviation Safety and Noise Abatement Act of 1979
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IT IS a study from which noise mitigation recommendations for noncompatible land uses may become eligible for federal funding and implementation, upon Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approval
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IT IS designed to uphold an airport’s role in interstate commerce, maintain levels of aviation safety and efficient use of navigable airspace, and uphold the powers and responsibilities of the Administrator of the FAA
WHAT IT IS NOT
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IT IS NOT an airport master plan, environmental review document or safety study. This is a noise and land use compatibility study prepared in compliance with federal regulations
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IT IS NOT an opportunity to close or limit functionality of the airport. The Part 150 Study assumes an operating airport that continues to adapt and evolve, and these plans are reflected in an analysis of future-year noise contours
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IT IS NOT a process to measure or address air quality. The Part 150 Study addresses ONLY noise and land use compatibility
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IT IS NOT an opportunity to move noise from one community to another
Noise Study Goals
ABOUT
Determine current and future noise levels around RMMA using the Aviation Environmental Design Tool (AEDT), the FAA-approved noise model.
Review current flight tracks and voluntary noise abatement processes.
Provide opportunity for community input.
If appropriate, develop recommendations for noise abatement and noise mitigation measures.
Determine eligibility for FAA Airport Improvement Program Funding for noise mitigation measures.
HOW IS A PART 150 STUDY CONDUCTED?
ABOUT
DATA ANALYSIS
Aircraft operational data is collected and analyzed to identify noise patterns, trends and noise-sensitive land uses.
NOISE MODELING
The FAA-approved computer model, AEDT, is used to predict noise levels and assess the impact of aircraft operations on the surrounding land uses.
FORECASTING
A forecast of aviation activity and an inventory of land use plans will be developed to inform future aircraft noise levels.
NOISE CONTOUR MAPPING
Noise contour maps are created to visualize noise levels in the airport vicinity.
MITIGATION STRATEGIES
Based on the results of noise analysis and modeling, noise reduction strategies are recommended for FAA approval.
PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT
Community engagement is a vital component of the Part 150 Noise Study. Public meetings and focus groups will be conducted to gather feedback from residents, businesses, and other stakeholders.