Anti-Noise Proposal

I knew my house was in the landing path of the Van Nuys Airport when I bought it. Since then noise from the airport has become significantly worse. I run my business out of my home and am disturbed by the noise every day. The reason is that there were at least 1,259 more takeoffs of Stage 2 (older and noisier) aircraft from 1995 to 1997.

The Times editorial Feb. 14 (“Limit Noisiest Jets”), applauds the motion by Councilwoman Cindy Miscikowski and Councilman Mike Feuer. I believe the motion has severe problems.

The cap on “based” planes at the current 53 is good, but the number of flights can increase and the unacceptable noise levels will continue. There is no incentive for based carriers to upgrade to quieter planes or to install hush kits or other noise-reduction retrofits.

After three years, non-addition is inconsistent: Many based operators could suddenly leave, creating a problem for the airport; or if only a few left, the noise could continue at the same levels for years, meaning no relief for residents.

The Times suggests that thousands of residents in the landing and takeoff paths should be glad of anything . . . even if it takes 10 to 15 years and by no means has a certain outcome. Although I support the airport businesses and do not wish to see them suffer hardship, this direction favors the airport and operators at a high cost to the residents.

This is what a proposal to provide real noise relief for residents might look like: Starting in January 2000, the number of Stage 2 takeoffs, based and non-based aircraft, would be reduced by 20% of the number in 1998. This reduction of 1,100 to 1,200 flights per year--reversing the buildup we have seen in recent years--would eliminate Stage 2 takeoffs in five years.

This would allow the airport to plan with a set timetable, create incentives to upgrade equipment and would bar expansion of Stage 2 operations.

CHARLES MARK-WALKER, North Hills