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Southern Maryland, Fair Skies Coalition (SMFSC), was founded to seek solutions to decrease aircraft noise and air pollution south of DCA.

Southern Maryland, Fair Skies Coalition (SMFSC), was founded to seek solutions to decrease aircraft noise and air pollution south of DCA. The most severely impacted neighborhoods are Accokeek (CDP), Bryans Road (CDP), Bennsville (CDP), and Fort Washington (CDP), Maryland.

MWAA Noise Working Group - The Reagan National Community Noise Working Group was established in October 2015 to engage broad-based community participation to identify practical aircraft noise solutions and recommendations to the FAA.

John Mitchell has been our Prince George’s County (Accokeek) primary representative since 2015. John resigned and was replaced by William Parker.

Edward Williams is the primary Prince George’s County (Fort Washington). 

Our sister organization, the Montgomery County Quiet Skies Coalition, published this article. May 5, 2023.

A new organization calling itself the Capital Access Alliance is urging Congress to eliminate the long-standing perimeter rule at Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA). Doing so would allow unlimited long-haul flights to arrive and depart at DCA. Airplanes used for long-haul flights are significantly larger and heavier than those used for regional flights, therefore they produce more noise disturbance. Also they tend to depart in the early morning and arrive late at night because they are departing to or taking off from far-off destinations. This means the noise problems they create are even more impactful than the other 400+ arriving and 400+ departing flights per day at DCA, which already disturb the sleep and quality of life of many thousands of residents.

Montgomery County Quiet Skies Coalition

https://www.mocoquietskies.org/updates/oqn0fhketj946jmqueatrguhi444xx

The following op-ed appeared in the Washington Post on May 24th. Federal law expressly delegates operational control of both airports to the authority with the local knowledge and aviation industry expertise to run two major airports.

Opinion: Congress Should Not Tell Reagan National How To Operate -

Our Maryland Congressional delegation has written a letter to other members of Congress stating their position that the perimeter rule at DCA should not be legislatively altered. 

The Capital Access Alliance's proposal to eliminate the perimeter rule at Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) raises valid concerns about the potential increase in noise disturbance and its impact on the quality of life for residents in the surrounding areas.

The perimeter rule at DCA was implemented to limit the distance of nonstop flights to and from the airport, in order to manage noise levels and congestion. By allowing only regional flights and certain exemptions, the rule helps to mitigate the impact on local communities.

Long-haul flights typically involve larger and heavier aircraft, which can generate more noise compared to regional flights. Moreover, their departure and arrival times may be outside the usual operating hours, potentially exacerbating the disturbance for residents during early morning and late-night hours.

Over 400 arriving and departing flights daily at DCA pose a significant noise challenge for the surrounding communities. Introducing unlimited long-haul flights without proper noise mitigation measures could significantly worsen the situation.

When considering any changes to airport operations, it is crucial to balance accessibility and the well-being of residents. Any decision to eliminate the perimeter rule should involve careful evaluation of the potential impact on noise levels and the community's quality of life. The concerns of residents and other stakeholders should be taken into account during the decision-making process to ensure a fair and equitable outcome

Airport noise refers to the sound generated by aircraft during takeoff, landing, and taxiing on the runway. It is a common concern for people living near airports, as the noise can have various impacts on their quality of life. Here are some key points about airport noise:

  1. Sources of Airport Noise: The main sources of airport noise are aircraft engines, particularly jet engines, which produce a significant amount of noise during operation. Other sources include auxiliary power units (APUs), ground support equipment, and aircraft movement on the runway.

  2. Noise Levels: The noise generated by aircraft is typically measured in decibels (dB). Takeoff and landing phases produce the most significant noise levels, which can range from around 100 dB to over 120 dB. Taxiing and ground operations generally produce lower noise levels but can still be noticeable.

  3. Factors Affecting Noise Levels: Several factors contribute to the noise levels experienced by individuals living near airports. These factors include the type of aircraft, engine design, flight path, altitude, and distance from the runway. Additionally, environmental factors such as weather conditions can influence how sound propagates.

  4. Health and Environmental Impacts: Excessive exposure to airport noise can have negative effects on human health, including sleep disturbances, stress, and increased risk of cardiovascular issues. It can also disrupt communication, affect concentration, and decrease overall quality of life for individuals residing in affected areas. Airport noise can also impact wildlife and ecosystems, particularly in areas close to airports.

  5. Noise Mitigation Measures: Airport authorities and aircraft manufacturers employ various strategies to mitigate airport noise. These measures include implementing noise abatement procedures, optimizing flight paths, using quieter aircraft engines, and installing sound barriers and insulation in affected buildings. However, complete elimination of airport noise is challenging due to the nature of aviation operations.

  6. Regulatory Framework: Many countries have regulations in place to manage and control airport noise. These regulations often set limits on noise levels, impose restrictions on nighttime flights, and require airports to develop noise management plans. Noise monitoring and community engagement programs are also part of these regulatory frameworks.

  7. Community Engagement: Airports often engage with local communities to address concerns related to airport noise. This can involve public consultations, establishing community advisory committees, and implementing programs to inform residents about noise levels and mitigation efforts.

It's important to note that specific noise levels and mitigation strategies can vary depending on the airport and its surrounding area. If you have concerns about airport noise, it is advisable to contact the relevant airport authority or local government for more information on specific measures and initiatives in your area.

Aircraft noise is also an environmental justice issue, as it disproportionately impacts children, seniors, racial minorities, and the poor. 

How to Submit a Reagan National Aircraft Noise Complaint: File a Noise Complaint

Due to COVID-19, MWAA will conduct virtual Noise Working Group meetings until further notice. We encourage our members to watch the meeting. 

MWAA Noise Working Group meetings. Next Meeting - July 27th, 2023 - 6 pm to 8 pm (people may log on at 5:45 pm)

Please click here to view the meeting live. Or, copy and paste the link into your browser.

Go to the FAA Web Page if you have problems with the Zoom link. A link for viewing the meeting will be available on the DCA Community Working Group web page.

https://www.flyreagan.com/about-airport/aircraft-noise-information/dca-reagan-national-community-working-group


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