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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES - 09151992 - 1.2 (2) O TO: BOARD OF SUPERVISORS �' Z FROM: J. MICHAEL WALFORD, PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR DATE: SEPTEMBER 15, 1992 SUBJECT: SEMIANNUAL NOISE REPORT FOR BUCHANAN FIELD AIRPORT SPECIFIC REQUEST(S)OR RECOMMENDATION(S) &BACKGROUND AND JUMFICATION I. Recommended Action: ACCEPT the attached report from the Public Works Director relating to noise complaint activity at Buchanan Field Airport. H. Financial Impact: None. III. Reasons for Recommendations and Background: The attached report summarizes the noise complaint activity and community concerns regarding Buchanan Field Airport aircraft activity. It includes, a caller analysis, complaints by type of aircraft analysis, and staff follow up procedures. ,f (04, Continued on Attachment: SIGNATURE: LSC _RECOMMENDATION OF COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR RECOMMENDATION OF BOARD COMMITTEE APPROVE OTHER SIGNATURE(S): ACTION OF BOARD ON / APPROVED AS RECOMMENDED c OTHER i i VOTE OF SUPERVISORS X UNANIMOUS (ABSENT �~ ) AYES: NOES: ABSENT: ABSTAIN: TLW:rs P,hereby certify that this is a true and Correct copy of c:15n.t9 an action taken and entered on the minutes of the Board of Supero' rs on the date shown. a Orig Div: Airports ATTESTED: cc: County Administrator PHIL BAT HELOR.Clerk of the Board Public Works Director of Supervisors and County Administrator Public Works Accounting Auditor/Controller riy l /- p�A'� ,Deputy Aviation Advisory Committee Federal Aviation Administration jl Helicopter Most complaints, usually helicopter training related, were from the Pacheco area. These callers live fairly close to the airport in areas subject to frequent helicopter overflights . At the direction of the Board of Supervisors, staff has been studying various alternatives including an off-airport site to conduct helicopter training operations away from residential and other sensitive areas . Once issues associated with relocating the helicopter training operations are resolved and the training activities are moved to the new site, helicopter complaints are expected to be dramatically reduced. Single Engine These complaints were generally from the Pleasant Hill area, when Runway 19 (north - south) was in use. Most of these complaints were relating to touch-n-go training operations during this seasonal time of high activity. Typically, during the .months of warm weather, longer hours of daylight, and good visibility, general aviation activity increases . This is considered good flying weather. This is also the time of year when many airport neighbors like to have their doors and windows open, enjoy a backyard bar-b-que or other outside activity; but find it difficult to do so because it is percieved at too noisy. To relieve some of the noise impacts to the residential areas near the flight paths for the airport, a Preferential Runway Use Program was implemented by the Board of Supervisors . The reccommended noise abatement . runway is Runway 32 . When this runway was in use, there were few complaints . When runway 19 was in use, complaints tended to rise. Air traffic control personnel assignned Runway 32 as much as possible, but sometimes had to assign Runway 19 because of safety, wind, temporary runway closures, or other factors . An aggressive noise management program and increased pilot cooperation continues to reduce the overall noise impact of Buchanan Field Airport on the surrounding community. Jet Noise complaints generated by jet aircraft usually occurred when jets arrived or departed during evening hours or early mornings . During this reporting period there were three jets, perceived as particularly noisy to the community around the airport, which contributed a total of 17 complaints . The particulars and follow up of these complaints are summarized below: 4/12/92 (5:40 p.m. ) - a Gulfstream II jet departed Runway 19 straight out, triggering five complaints from airport neighbors in the City of Pleasant Hill . The aircraft owner was identified and was requested not to return to Buchanan Field Airport with this particular type of jet as it exceeds the maximum noise levels as prescribed in the County Airport Noise Ordinance. 6/18/92 (9 : 15 p.m. ) - a Lear 23 jet departed Runway 19 over Pleasant Hill, with a left turn over Concord. Although witnessed by airport personel to have been at proper altitude, because this is a particularly noisy jet, six complaints were phoned in to the airport. This activity was associated with President Bush's dinner in Orinda. The aircraft owner was identified and requested not to return with this jet as it too exceeds the maximum noise levels of the Noise Ordinance. 6/27/92 ( 12:30 p.m. ) - a Military F-18 associated with the Concord Naval Weapons Station 50th Anniversary Celebration flew over the Concord area. Although this operation was not in any way associated with Buchanan Field Airport, six complaints were received from nearby Concord residents . f Multi-engine Noise from high performance aircraft is generally more pronounced than noise from single-engine airport. These type of aircraft do not exceed the maximum permitted noise level for Buchanan Field Airport, but are somewhat noisier. There was one multi-engine aircraft responsible for most of the multi-engine aircraft complaints . Upon notification, the owner has since resolved the problem with propeller management techniques . All Types of Aircraft This category includes airplanes of all types that operate at the Airport, including single-engine, multi-engine, helicopter, and jet. This type of complaint, was most commom and expected during days of increased traffic, as Buchanan Field Airport is one of the busiest Airports in Northern California. Type of Aircraft Unknown Sometimes because of the time in which a call is received or because insufficient information is given, staff is unable to tie a specific incident with a specific operation. It is during these times that follow up procedures are more difficult. The airport noise monitoring system, to be installed later this year, will better enable staff to follow up on complaints that otherwise would , be categorized as "type unknown" . Staff Follow up Procedures Citizens who are disturbed by aircraft operations are encouraged to call the Airport Complaint Hotline at 646-5726 . During normal business hours, staff is usually available to respond to noise concerns . During non-business hours or when staff is unavailable, an answering machine will record the complaint. Information provided will be investigated, followed up, and entered into the complaint database. Callers are encouraged to provide as much information as possible, especially when the answering machine records the call. Information provided could be extremely helpful in positively identifying the offending aircraft, as well as an aid in the follow up procedures . Complaints are entered into the airport complaint database and summarized in monthly semi-annual, and annual reports . These reports are presented to the Board of Supervisors and others upon request. The Noise Control Officer usually calls most complainants back, while the Manager of Airports sends a letter to all complainants advising them on the status of the complaint. Whenever possible, the pilot is notified that a complaint was received on his or her operation. If the noise ordinance has been violated, the pilot is requested not to return to the airport with that particular type of aircraft. Citations may be issued. Attempts are continually made to increase the noise sensitivity of all pilots operating in or out of Buchanan Field Airport.