Our airport currently has a 24-Hour Voluntary Noise abatement Procedures (VNAP) program. The FAA approved a Noise Compatibility Program in 2004 thus this measure has been in place for approximately 20 years. Palomar airport also has a Fly Friendly Program which encourages aircraft operators to fine-tune flight procedures and routes to minimize noise impact on local neighborhoods.
Many of our local airport community residents feel that our Palomar VNAP program is not effective and only gets lip service from Airport Management. The VNAP compliance is very loose since there is no enforcement or repercussions for infractions.
Following recent meetings with the owners of Palomar Flight Training companies including Carlsbad Jet Center, Palomar Aviation, Pinnacle Aviation, Pacific Coast, and Civic Helicopters it was confirmed that they are all aware of the published VNAP rules and have it posted for the pilots and students to see. They seem to make an attempt to have their pilots follow the guidelines when possible. Some exceptions are: 1) due to weather 2) Air Traffic congestion 3) Overriding instructions from the tower.
In order for Voluntary Rules (VNAP) to operate effectively, Palomar Airport needs to create a culture of accountability. For these policies to work, we need disciplinary actions- verbal and written warnings. There needs to be clear communications and proper training of the pilots.
Other CA airports have passed City Ordinances that are enforceable with actual Fines (Burbank
$1700, Long Beach $100,$300 , Van Nuys $750). If the City of Carlsbad would pass a resolution allowing the Mayor’s office to send quarterly advisory notices to pilots in violation of voluntary quiet hours this would create some accountability.
Some of the typical methods used by other airports are regular meetings, training sessions and an open door to policy questions. Any violations/ infractions need to be addressed promptly and fairly.
The success of noise abatement programs at small regional airports often hinges on a combination of strategies and programs. These strategies, when combined, create a robust framework for managing noise and maintaining positive relationships with surrounding communities.
Some effective methods to encourage pilots to follow voluntary noise abatement rules are as follows:
- Community Engagement: Hosting workshops or meetings with pilots and local residents fosters understanding and Pilots are more likely to comply when they see the direct impact of their actions on the community.
- Recognition Programs: Airports can create recognition programs to reward pilots and operators who consistently adhere to noise abatement procedures. Public acknowledgment or incentives, such as reduced landing fees, can motivate compliance.
- Noise Monitoring Systems: Installing noise monitoring systems allows airports to track compliance and provide feedback to pilots. This data can also be used to identify areas for improvement in noise abatement strategies.
- Clear Communication: Using standardized terminology and graphical representations of noise abatement routes makes it easier for pilots to understand and follow procedures.
- Voluntary Curfews and Guidelines: Encouraging pilots to avoid operations during sensitive hours (e.g., late at night) and to follow specific flight paths can significantly reduce noise impact.
Here are a few examples of successful noise abatement programs at small regional airports:
- Van Nuys Airport (VNY), California: VNY has implemented a comprehensive noise management program, including a voluntary curfew for jet aircraft between 10 PM and 7 AM. They also have a Fly Friendly Program, which encourages pilots to use noise- reducing flight techniques and routes.
- Boca Raton Airport (BCT), Florida: BCT has a voluntary noise abatement program that includes preferred flight paths to avoid residential areas, as well as a nighttime curfew for certain types of They actively engage with the community to address noise concerns.
- Santa Monica Airport (SMO), California: SMO has a robust noise management program, including a voluntary departure curfew and noise monitoring systems. They also provide pilots with detailed noise abatement procedures to minimize the impact on surrounding neighborhoods.
Some examples of recognition programs that airports can create to reward pilots and operators for adhering to noise abatement procedures:
1. “Fly Quiet” Programs:
- San Francisco International Airport (SFO) has a “Fly Quiet” Program that scores airlines based on their adherence to noise abatement measures, preferred flight paths, and use of quieter aircraft. High-scoring airlines are publicly recognized in an annual awards program.
- O’Hare International Airport (ORD) in Chicago has a similar program, where they rank airlines quarterly based on noise compliance and publish the results to encourage friendly competition.
2. “Fly Friendly Awards”:
- Airports like Van Nuys Airport (VNY) have implemented Fly Friendly Awards to recognize pilots, operators, or airlines that demonstrate exceptional compliance with noise abatement These awards can be promoted through media coverage or airport websites.
3) Landing Fee Discounts
Some airports offer financial incentives, such as reduced landing fees, for operators who consistently comply with noise reduction strategies or use quieter aircraft.
4) Community-Focused Recognition:
Hosting events or publishing newsletters that highlight operators’ contributions to noise reduction fosters goodwill between the airport, pilots, and the local community.
These programs leverage recognition and competition to foster voluntary compliance with noise abatement measures.
Other VNAP California airports offer incentives to the pilots for compliance. (gift certificate awards, plaques). They offer recognition by publication of the Pilot’s name or organization in local papers, articles or at association meetings.
A suggestion would be to team up with Palomar Pilots Association, PAA Palomar Airport Association to recognize those who comply with VNAP.
Possible recognition and award ideas:
Gift Certificates provide a choice of products or services
SKY Safeguard Award which commends a pilot for following the VNAP rules Aviation Excellence Award which recognizes their professionalism and skills Plaque Awards commiserate lasting reminder presented by the PAAC
Publication of Pilot name and photo recognition – adds personal touch is more memorable
Summary
To improve noise abatement at small airports like Palomar, we need to focus on the following:
Have Stricter Curfews on quiet hours
Provide incentives for quiet flight paths
Optimize aircraft flight paths
Share noise reduction progress with the local community
Notify pilots of violations
