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The Federal Aviation Administration (“FAA”) is planning to implement a new departure procedure at John Wayne Airport (“JWA”). The departure procedure is known as the DUUKE ONE RNAV departure procedure (“RNAV”). Initially the RNAV utilizes a series of points in space called waypoints with specific leg designs to define a route. As a result it creates narrower dispersion by aircraft upon departure. The RNAV procedure is part of larger plans by the FAA to modernize the National Airspace System, which you may have heard referred to as “NextGen.” Because RNAV is a more efficient utilization of airspace it should result in increased safety, improved predictability and improved environmental effects. What this means to the citizens of Newport Beach is that there should be a more defined route upon take offs and less fanning and/or drifting by aircraft upon departure. More importantly there should be no changes in the noise levels for residents along the flight track. The FAA, which has already flown a test flight from the airport utilizing the new procedure, is convinced that the residents will see little if any difference from the current departure procedure, as the RNAV was modeled strictly after the current departure procedures. Moreover the residents should also be aware that Alaska Airlines has been utilizing the RNAV procedure for some time. Finally, because the FAA recognizes the unique nature of JWA and the Settlement Agreement by and between the County and the surrounding community, the FAA in a major departure from practices utilized elsewhere in the country, will also conduct a hand full of test flights under the RNAV procedure to validate what they believe to be a benefits from the new RNAV. The tests flights to validate the RNAV are extremely unique and a further recognition of the FAA’s of local community’s sensitivity to aircraft operation issues and its attendant noise. The County will be monitoring closely the RNAV procedure, which will be formally published on or about August 27, 2009 after which additional test flights will be conducted. Before the meeting certain questions were unanswered: Was the process being rushed? The answer is that this procedure has been implemented without any warning; test flights or outreach to the communities at approximately 44 airports. Because the FAA was will to delay originally from July 2, 2009; because the FAA was willing to and did fly a test flight already they have been willing to reach out to the community and slow the process down; What about simulation of flights before the implementation? I think that is already answered by the fact that it turns out the FAA has already run a test flight and it substantiated what they already believed that there were be no changes in the noise pattern; as well as the fact that Alaska Airlines has already been flying the RNAV departure for some time, demonstrates that not only did they simulate the flights but have operated under the RNAV before the August 27, 2009 date; What about test flights after August 27, 2009? Will they be conducted and if so, must the airlines comply with the current JWA noise abatement procedure? The answer to both questions is yes. Is the new procedure categorically exempt from EIR requirements? Yes, if it proves that the procedure does not deviate from current departure procedures and creates no new environmental affect. The test flights will either confirm or refute this supposition. Will the change be mandatory? The FAA can not mandate equipment changes with the airlines. To the extent the airlines have equipment in place, those airlines will use the new procedure. PAC is proud to announce the formation of an Airport Information Sub Committee. The sole purpose of this committee is to gather information from the various organizations around the City and the County regarding John Wayne Airport and report those findings back to the community. Our subcommittee will be visiting and monitoring groups such AirFair, The Airport Working Group, John Wayne Airport's noise abatement committee meetings as well as the City of Newport Beach's Aviation Committee. We'll give you meeting dates, minute over views, as well as important web site information. **************** 1. Air Fair Meets 2nd and 4th Wednesday at noon, Newport Beach Tennis Club, 2601 Eastbluff Drive, N.B. 92660 2. City Newport Beach Aviation Committee or Citizens aviation committee. Meetings can be found on the City's website calendar or last Monday of each month at the Newport Beach Public Library, Avocado branch, 8am. Schedule may vary, please check before attending. 3. Airport Working Group (A.W.G.) 4. John Wayne Airport The next Noise Abatement Committee 3160 Airport Way, Costa Mesa, CA 92707 (949) 252-5200 Please go to this site for reports at this link 
Acoustical Program Feb. 5th 2002
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