Noise Abatement Regulations at Private Airports in the U.S.

One of the hot topics at executive airports around the country centers on the issue of aircraft noise. Over the past few years, many municipal airports and private airfields have passed or are now considering passing noise abatement ordinances. For aircraft charter flyers, noise ordinances may play a role in establishing the scheduled departure or arrival of your charter flight.

Under Federal Aviation Regulation (FAR) Part 36, the FAA has established a noise classification system to determine the decibel level of an aircraft during take-off and landing. This classification system certifies aircraft in stages 1-4 and is based primarily on weight, the number of engines and passenger capacity of a given aircraft.

Stage 1 aircraft refers to the oldest (and loudest) aircraft; these planes are no longer permitted to operate in the United States as commercial aircraft, however a small number are still flown privately.

Stage 2 aircraft are the current subject of debate. Since January of 2000 stage 2 aircraft over 75,000lbs have been required by law to be phased out of commercial service.

Stage 3 and 4 Aircraft have become progressively quieter from earlier models. Stage 4 noise regulations became applicable to all new designs introduced after January 1, 2006.

The current issues surround Stage 2 aircraft – the oldest planes still in service. Out of the 16,000 or so business jets that are registered in the country, it’s estimated that about 1,400 of them are Stage 2 (or older). However, this small percentage of planes, about 9%, account for a much larger number of noise complaints.

Throughout the country a number of private airports, mostly near residential areas, have expressed a desire to reduce or eliminate the number of stage 2 flights that are serviced by their local executive airport. Independent organizations have formed proposing initiatives such as the “Sound Initiative” to lobby for the complete phase out of Stage 2 aircraft.

Many private airports have already put in place a number of restrictions. It is common to see increased landing fees, early morning/late evening departure and arrival restrictions and in some cases even outright bans on Stage 2 aircraft.

If you are renting a private jet or booking a charter flight into an airport with noise restrictions, you should check with your agent to see if the aircraft they charter on your behalf complies with the noise abatement ordinances of that airport.

The following private airports have implemented restrictions on Stage 2 aircraft:
Aspen, Colorado (ASE)
Burbank, California (BUR)
Jackson Hole, Wyoming (JAC)
Lake Tahoe, California (TVL)
Naples, Florida (APF)
Santa Monica, California (SMO)
Teterboro, New Jersey (TEB)
Van Nuys, California (VNY)

Jet Charter Travel Tips

The convenience of a jet charter flight allows travelers to avoid many of the problems that can occur during a commercial trip.

Your flight departs on your schedule, and there are no “middle seats”, terrible in-flight food, or lost luggage. (And the only crying babies are the ones you bring with you!) Here are a few tips to help ensure a low-stress flight.

Utilize the Services Offered By Your Charter Flight Coordinator

They are your single point of contact for arranging all aspects of your travel. They are experts at coordinating seamless air to ground transfers, and they can make your rental car arrangements, book your hotel, or make event reservations. Stratos Jets will also be tracking your flight, and will make changes to your transportation reservations on the ground if necessary, dependent upon your schedule. Discussing travel arrangements or itinerary changes with the pilots rather than your charter flight coordinator can cause confusion and less than desirable level of service.

Print Your Itinerary…and Keep It Handy

Your coordinator will provide you with all of the details of your flight in a single page print out. Be sure to bring a hard copy, as your itinerary acts as a boarding pass and contains aircraft information, departure times and locations along with your passenger manifest and trip notes. If your charter flight coordinator has arranged a rental car or ground transfer, the confirmation # along with direct line of the local rental company will be conveniently found within your trip notes.

Keeper of the Keys

Most people experience a big sigh of relief when they get off a return flight and find their house or car keys exactly where they expected. For the same reasons that you probably put your keys in the same place every day when you’re at home (it’s the best way to keep track of them), you need a spot in your carry-on bag that will hold your keys (and other important items, such as a passport) for the duration of your trip.

Of course these are just a few of the many pieces of advice that could be mentioned. But the point is, often times it is the small details that can “make or break” a vacation or a business trip!

And always remember that when you travel with Stratos Jet Charters, we will do whatever is in our power to help you and your family or other companions have the best possible flying experience.

Joel Thomas