Press Releases

U.S. Representative Don Beyer, whose 8^th District is home to Reagan National Airport, one of the busiest in the country, applauded the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)'s announcement today that it plans to conduct a multiyear study of the relationship between aircraft noise exposure and its effects on communities around airports. 

"I look forward to hearing what the FAA finds regarding aircraft noise and the impact it has on the communities surrounding airports," said Rep. Beyer. "National Airport in particular handles more and more flights every year and the uptick in noise in Northern Virginia’s backyards is clear.  If National is selected, I know my team and everyone at Metropolitan Washington Airport Authority (MWAA) would be glad to work with the FAA on this very important issue."

The FAA plans to contact residents of communities around 20 selected airports by mail and telephone to gauge public perceptions of aviation noise. The study, which will begin within the next two to three months and last for one year, will be the largest noise survey ever conducted within the United States. The FAA cannot disclose which communities will be contacted in order to preserve the scientific integrity of the study. 

“The FAA is sensitive to public concerns about aircraft noise. We understand the interest in expediting this research, and we will complete this work as quickly as possible,” said FAA Administrator Michael Huerta. “This Administration takes its responsibility to be responsive to communities’ concerns over air noise seriously. Our work is intended to give the public an opportunity to provide perspective and viewpoints on a very important issue.”

 

If changes are warranted, the FAA will propose revised policy and related guidance and regulations, subject to interagency coordination, as well as public review and comment.