HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES - 11011994 - 2.4 TO: BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
FROM: J. MICHAEL WALFORD,PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR
DATE: NOVEMBER 1, 1994
SUBJECT: SEMIANNUAL NOISE REPORT FOR BUCHANAN FIELD AIRPORT
SPECIFIC REQUEST(S)OR RECOMMENDATION(S)&BACKGROUND AND JUSTIFICATION
I. Recommended Action:
ACCEPT the attached report from the Public Works Director relating to noise complaint activity
at Buchanan Field Airport.
II. 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.
Continued on Attachment: SIGNATURE:
_RECOMMENDATION OF COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR _RECOMMENDATION OF BOARD COMMITTEE
APPROVE OTHER
SIGNATURE(S):
ACTION OF BOARD ON / / 9`l APPROVED AS RECOMMENDED OTHER
VOTE OF SUPERVISORS
UNANIMOUS(ABSENT )
AYES: NOES:
ABSENT: ABSTAIN: I hereby certify that this is a true and correct copy of
an action taken and entered on the minutes of the
JMW:TLW:rs Board of Supervisors on the date shown.
a I I LDOC ATTESTED: � /, 4 ,,*, y 5/
cc: PHIL BATCHELOR,Clerk of the Board
Div:Airports(Contact H.Wight 6-5722) of Supervisors and County Administrator
cc: County Administrator
Public Works Director Deputy_ r- --,
Public Works Accounting By `� r� �
Aviation Advisory Committee
Federal Aviation Administration
NOISE REPORT FOR BUCHANAN FIELD AIRPORT
1994 SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT
The purpose of this report is to summarize community concerns regarding Buchanan Field Air-
port aircraft operations for the first six months of 1994. Many factors were reviewed to analyze
concerns expressed by airport neighbors. This report includes a description of factors that influ-
enced noise complaint trends. The nature and type of complaints were identified to address
unique concerns of some airport neighbors. Complaints by type of aircraft were evaluated to
identify any repetitive problems in regards to aircraft operations. Location where complaints
originated are listed and a brief analysis of why these complaints occurred is given. Finally, a
description of the ongoing airport programs that are in place to reduce noise complaints is in-
cluded.
FACTORS THAT INFLUENCED NOISE TRENDS
The total number of complaints regarding aircraft activity associated with Buchanan Field Air-
port for the first six months of 1994, was 287..This is a 10% decrease compared to the first six
months of 1993. These 287 complaints were registered by 87 complainants. Factors that con-
tributed to these numbers included a statistical aberration, a down trend in operations, and our
noise management program.
STATISTICAL ABERRATION
One individual was responsible for 52% of the total complaints registered, logging 151 com-
plaints for the first six months of 1994. Even this caller's complaints decreased by 69% com-
pared to the same time period of 1993. At the request of the Aviation Advisory Committee, this
individual was listed separately in our monthly noise reports and.identified in the "Multiple
Caller" category. It should be noted that the caller lives less than 1/2 mile from the airport and
quite near a helicopter flight pattern. Nine other residents were responsible for 55 complaints.
These 55 complaints accounted for 19% of all the complaints regarding Buchanan Field Airport.
Of the remaining complaints each household averaged 1.05 calls for the first six months of the
year. For the purpose of adding perspective to the report, unless otherwise noted,the multiple
caller's contributions are not included further in the analysis.
OPERATIONS DOWN
The total number of operations for the first six months of 1994, reached 111,583. This is a de-
crease of 5% compared to the previous year. It is believed that the decrease in operations can be
directly related to the faltering economy. Economic.principles state that in times of a recession
the demand for luxury items is decreased. It can be assumed that some pilots view recreational
flying as a luxury. During the first six months of 1994, total aircraft operations per complaint
averaged 820-1. This is a tremendous increase (65%) of operations-to-complaint compared to
OTHER
In 1994, only one complaint was registered to the category of"other". This complaint was re-
garding an aircraft that a resident reported was conducting aerobatic maneuvers over Walnut
Creek. The pilot was identified as a resident who was sightseeing over his own house. Regular
follow up procedures were then conducted by staff.
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1993
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craft" or people who where concerned about general activity associated with Buchanan Field
Airport.
UNKNOWN
Occasionally, individuals are unable to clearly identify the type of aircraft that disturbed them.
Staff requests that callers supply detail concerning a particular aircraft so that the identification
process can be more effective. With the installation of the TRACOR Noise Monitoring System,
staff has been able to better identify these aircraft and their precise time of operation. This has
enabled the staff to more effectively deal with aircraft that in the past have been difficult to iden-
tify.
COMPLAINTS BY TYPE OF AIRCRAFT I
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SUMMARY
In review, inany factors were involved that affected noise complaint activity at Buchanan Field
Airport. Several factors, such as pilots using noise abatement procedures, a decrease in opera-
tions, an increase in community relations, and the implementation of our Noise Monitoring Sys-
tem contributed to the decrease in noise complaints for the first six months of 1994. The staff
evaluated all categories of complaints in regard to type of complaint, aircraft type, and the cities
and towns where complaints originated.
For the remainder of 1994, the staff will continue its efforts and be responsive to community
concerns pertaining to Buchanan Field Airport. The Noise Monitoring System has enabled staff
to better serve the community by readily identifying aircraft operations that have created distur-
bances in the community. All of this has been to ensure that Buchanan Field Airport continues
its policy of being a"good neighbor."