FAA Counsel Asked for Answers to Noise Queries

Wary of more delays, Councilman Joel Wachs proposed Tuesday summoning the FAA’s chief counsel to Los Angeles to answer questions about a plan to cap noisy, aging jets at Van Nuys Airport.

The council held an extended debate over the proposed cap in November, but lawmakers voiced so many questions about their authority to limit so-called Stage 2 aircraft that they put off a decision until February.

Of particular concern to council members was whether they had the option of tightening noise restrictions now, then making the rules stricter later.

Last month, Federal Aviation Administration Chief Counsel Nicholas G. Garaufis said in a letter to Rep. Brad Sherman (D-Sherman Oaks) that any controls adopted by the city could still be strengthened later.

The letter implies that the city could someday phase out the noisy planes instead of merely capping their number at the airport, according to Wachs. But the lawmaker wants to make sure.

“The question we still have is can we do the phase-out?” said Tom Henry, an aide to Wachs, adding that the city needs more legal advice from the FAA.

The council will meet Feb. 23 to discuss the proposed noise restrictions, which are strongly opposed by aviation businesses.

Garaufis’ appearance at the meeting could avoid any further delays, Henry said.

“We’ve been waiting for so long,” he said, “and it’s time to act.”