Santa Monica : FAA to Lessen Airport Noise

In response to numerous homeowner complaints about noise from low-flying airplanes approaching Santa Monica Airport, the City Council voted unanimously Tuesday to allow the Federal Aviation Administration to install a Visual Approach Slope Indicator on the airport’s western runway.

The indicator is a guidance system that uses high-intensity light beams to enable aircraft to approach an airport from higher altitudes, even during periods of low visibility, is expected to reduce the noise generated by incoming planes while also increasing flight safety during times of poor visibility.

The FAA will pay for the installation, operation and maintenance of the system. There will be no cost to the airport, city officials said.