Aircraft Noise and Air Traffic Control Modernization

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is replacing its radar-based air traffic control system with a satellite based navigation and tracking system called NextGen. The stated purpose of NextGen is to increase airspace utilization and improve air traffic flows, allowing airliners to fly more efficiently, thereby cutting fuel consumption and reducing emissions. In order to achieve these objectives, FAA is reconfiguring airspace by modifying flight routes, and by creating new approach and departure procedures at airports. Planning and implementing these changes has met with backlash from some communities where overflights have become more frequent, prompting legislative action regarding FAA’s approaches to measuring aircraft noise, assessing impacts, and conducting community outreach.