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FAA Assistant to the Noise Ombudsman responding to #203920 re: Logan air traffic noise.
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To the Honorable Board:
Thank you for your email concerning aircraft noise. I appreciate you taking the time to share your concerns with our office. The FAA has a long history of studying noise related effects in order to minimize them to the extent possible through research and development, and mitigation measures when possible.
The FAA’s mission is to ensure the safe and efficient use of our nation’s navigable airspace. The agency does not have the authority to prohibit aircraft overflights of a particular geographic area unless the operation is unsafe, or the aircraft is operated in a manner inconsistent with Federal Aviation Regulations. In order to handle air traffic demands, runway configurations are used in accordance with runway selection criteria. Air Traffic's runway selection is based on several factors which include the following: runway availability, runway conditions, wind, weather, operational efficiency, and other factors.
In September 2016, the FAA and Massport signed a Memorandum of Understanding regarding actions each would undertake in seeking reductions to overflight noise impacts of aircraft operations at Boston Logan International Airport that result from the implementation of NextGen precision-based navigation (PBN) procedures including RNAV. Massport and the FAA is cooperating in analyzing opportunities for noise reduction through changes or amendments to PBN procedures. Such cooperation could include analyzing the feasibility, the benefits and impacts, testing (as deemed necessary by the FAA), and developing an implementation plan (including environmental analysis), and coordinating on community outreach. Massport has committed to develop a detailed scope of work to investigate the feasibility of certain procedural changes or amendments at BOS for evaluation by the FAA, which includes creating additional RNAV departure procedures for RWY 33L to reduce track concentration. Massport has indicated that they will primarily coordinate with the Massport Community Advisory Committee (CAC).
Airports are responsible for their noise impact on the communities they occupy. You should contact Massport, which is the airport authority for BOS. Here is a link to the Massport Noise Complaint website: <https://www.massport.com/environment/environmental-reporting/noise-abatement/noise-complaints/>.
I realize this response may not give you the specific aircraft noise relief you requested. The FAA will continue to work with airports to develop aircraft noise reducing measures, while managing the national airspace system in a safe and efficient manner.
Regards,
Joseph Said
Assistant to the Noise Ombudsman
FAA Federal Aviation Administration
Washington D.C.