A crowd of more than fifty people showed up this evening to hear from officials from Alaska Airlines, Boeing Field and SeaTac airport regarding airplane noise in Magnolia.
Alaska Airlines representative received a round of applause after outlining the airline’s investment in Required Navigation Performance (RNP) technology that saves fuel and reduces noise. Half of the flight operations at SeaTac come from Alaska and Horizon and using RNP enables their aircraft to fly safe, predictable and more efficient paths. That means less noise for Magnolia and surrounding areas.
The audience said that airplane noise has gotten worse lately and people living near the water tower say it is loudest in that area. One woman says she can’t even talk on the phone during the day when the planes fly by her home. Others said the noise is at its worst in the early morning between 4a.m. and 6a.m.
Robert Burke, Airport Director, said there are up to eight cargo flights per day coming into Boeing Field. Three of those are from UPS and Burke says they are working with UPS on an alternative approach that would reduce noise over Magnolia. He encouraged residents to call the Boeing Field hotline at 206-205-5242 or email noise@kingcounty.gov. with any noise issues. It is helpful to give the plane id if possible. You can also call the SeaTac noise number at 206-433-5393.
One person said that as much as he appreciates the information, having a phone line to call is fruitless. He said there should be a hotline for the FAA since they are the ones who control the aircraft movement and the airspace and its a waste of time to call the airports.
A representative from the FAA attended the meeting but when asked to speak said initially said he was only there to listen.
However, David Suomi, FAA Regional Administrator did eventually address the crowd, explaining that while the implementation of new technology is very complex, there is no doubt that the FAA is committed to reducing noise. A number of people thanked Suomi for attending the meeting and listening to their concerns.
