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CALIFORNIA BRIEFING / ORANGE COUNTY

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Aviation officials are adopting a new satellite-based departure procedure for planes flying out of John Wayne Airport that could save fuel, cut emissions and reduce noise around Upper Newport Bay in Newport Beach.

Under current rules, aircraft taking off from John Wayne can start turning around right when they reach the shoreline, but starting next month, the new navigation system will direct planes to fly 1/2 to 3/4 of a mile out over the ocean before turning, said Federal Aviation Administration spokesman Ian Gregor.

John Wayne is the latest of more than 300 airports nationwide that the FAA has switched over to satellite navigation systems designed for more consistent flight paths.

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-- Tony Barboza

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