The airport noise issue continues to be a topic of concern for airport operators, airport users, and residents living close to airports.  The issue is very complex and requires a multi-dimensional approach to developing and implementing feasible solutions.  It has become imperative for airports to work cooperatively with community and aviation representatives to help minimize the effect of aircraft operations.  In order for airport operators to acquire much needed facility and capacity enhancements, they will need to continue working side by side with all affected parties to explore new and innovative ways to address these issues

1991 Noise Compatibility Study

The first Federal Aviation Regulation (FAR) Part 150 Noise Compatibility Study at San Antonio International Airport was completed in 1990, and subsequently approved by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in 1991.  The City of San Antonio (COSA) and the Aviation Department initiated an update to that study in 2000 which was approved by the FAA in September 2002.  The last update of the Noise Compatibility Study was approved by the City Council in April of 2009 and by the FAA in May of 2009. Noise Compatibility Studies are ongoing efforts that provide mechanisms for future potential noise abatement and mitigation efforts.   The following elements have been created or completed:   ·           Noise Abatement Officer (completed and staffed) ·           Noise Abatement Advisory Committee was established and now has been combined into the Airport Advisory Commission. ·           Noise Complaint Monitoring Program (completed in operation) ·           Noise Monitoring System (to be completed in 2010) ·           Pilot Advisory Program (completed and ongoing) ·           Restrictions on Engine Run-ups (GRE constructed and operational) ·           Greater Percentage of Stage 3 Aircraft ·           Adoption of Land Use Plan (completed) ·           Adoption of a airport zoning district (to be completed in 2010) ·           Rezoning of airport from residential zone to airport zoning district (to be completed in 2010) ·           Use of Optimal Noise Abatement Departure Profile ·           Acoustical Treatment Program for Public Buildings (operational and ongoing) ·           Residential Acoustical Treatment Pilot Program (completed for over 500 homes) ·           The Enactment of a City Ordinance for notifying prospective homebuyers of property in noise-impacted areas. This provision was reintroduced with the adoption of the Airport Vicinity Land Use Plan and will be brought forward for consideration in 2010.   The 2010 Residential Acoustical Treatment Program currently has some 2,000 eligible residential properties that may be treated under the RATP program. With the current federal funding levels available to the city approximately 200 to 250 homes can be acoustically treated each year.

2009 Noise Compatibility Program Update

The 2009 Noise Compatibility Program Update was prepared by WYLE Aviation Services of Arlington, Virgina. One of the prime components of the Wyle program was to update the airport ’ s official Noise Exposure Maps (NEMs).   Questions addressed existing conditions for 2009 included:   ·           How many operations occur at SAT on an average day? ·           How do Air Traffic Controllers and pilots determine which runway to use? ·           What types of aircraft operate at SAT? ·           How does this affect noise levels around SAT?   Question addressing future conditions (2014) included:   ·           How many and what types of aircraft will fly into and from SAT in 2014? ·           What changes at the airport will occur, that might affect where aircraft fly? ·           How much noise can I expect to hear in the future?   The Wyle report and proposed 2014 Noise contour map was presented to and approved by the San Antonio City Council in April of 2009. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approved the plan update and the 2014 Noise Contour Map in May of 2009.