FAA to Accept Input on Airport Noise Plan

The public has until Oct. 1 to comment on the Federal Aviation Administration’s proposal to ban a controversial takeoff procedure used at John Wayne Airport for noise abatement, officials said Thursday.

The procedure, used mostly by pilots flying the McDonnell Douglas MD-80 jetliner, involves reducing engine power once the aircraft reaches an altitude of 500 feet. Spurred by pilot complaints that the procedure leaves too little margin for safety, the FAA proposes to ban power cutbacks below an altitude of 800 feet.

The agency moved closer to adopting the new regulation by publishing it in the Federal Register last week, which kicks off a formal public-comment period. The FAA hopes to make a final decision on the regulation by Nov. 1. The rule would go into effect Jan. 1.

John Wayne Airport officials recently persuaded the FAA to allow noise tests of the proposed procedure to determine the impact on surrounding residential neighborhoods. The tests, which will last until the end of the year, have already produced a dramatic rise in noise complaints from residents and a significant increase in decibel readings.

Although not required by John Wayne Airport, the 500-foot power cutback was being used to allow the MD-80 to meet the airport’s noise limits, which are the nation’s toughest.