FAR Part 150 Study

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The FAR Part 150 Study Update is a study of airport noise and land use compatibility authorized under the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) Part 150, titled “Airport Noise Compatibility Planning.” This is a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) voluntary program in which San Diego International Airport (SDIA) has participated in the past, completing an original Part 150 Study in 1989 with subsequent amendments. The current Study Update will present airport noise based upon current conditions and forecast future aircraft activity. This study updates SDIA's 1989 study.

There are two principal technical elements to a Part 150 Study: the Noise Exposure Maps (NEM) and the Noise Compatibility Program (NCP).

The NEM are created using FAA’s Integrated Noise Model (INM). The INM is used to create maps which depict the airport’s layout and operation, and the aircraft related noise exposure occurring the year of submission (2009) and noise anticipated to occur in forecast year five years in the future (2014).

Aircraft noise exposure is depicted using noise “contours,” which describe the annual average noise exposure that could occur in a given area. The NEM also depicts land uses underlying the contour in the noise-impacted areas near the airport.

The NCP will be comprised of proposed actions to minimize existing and future noise/land use incompatibilities. These actions could include noise abatement measures, noise mitigation or compensation measures, and/or preventative measures. The NCP will include a description of all measures that are considered, an analysis of the effectiveness of accepted measure, and a description of possible methods of implementing and funding the measures.

Noise Technical Advisory Group (NTAG)

A noise technical advisory group (NTAG) has been formed as part of the public participation component of the FAR Part 150 Study. The NTAG is comprised of representatives of communities surrounding the airport, representatives of government agencies with an interest in the airport or airport noise, representative of the airlines and general aviation groups, and other interested stakeholders. NTAG members will represent their respective constituencies, provide input on the NEM, and review and make recommendations regarding the NCP.

NTAG Members

NTAG Meetings

In association with the 14 CFR Part 150 Update project, the Authority held six (6) Noise Technical Advisory Group (NTAG) meetings scheduled as follows:

Public Meetings

Three public meetings were held to present the NEM and NCP and gather community input.

Public Input

The public comment period for the FAR Part 150 Update Study closed on February 14, 2010. Please contact the Noise Mitigation Department at (619) 400-2781, or the Quieter Home Program office at (619) 400-2660.