Wanting to be known as a goodneighbor in the community,The Airports Authority
continually strives to strike the right balance between the needs of air travelers and the needs of area residents living close to the flight paths. Although Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport provides residents in the region needed transportation and brings economic strength and vitality to the region, the Authority recognizes that a side effect is the problem of aircraft noise. Therefore, the Authority's ongoing goal is to keep aircraft noise levels as absolutely low as possible.

Noise Rule

Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport is one of the most stringently noise-controlled airports in the United States. National's nighttime noise rules are among the most restrictive in the country. Under the Authority's regulations, aircraft may be only operated after 9:59 p.m. and before 7:00 a.m. if the noise level for the aircraft type and model meets National Airport's strict noise standards which are designed to minimize sleep interference. If the noise limitation is violated, the aircraft operator is subject to a civil penalty up to $5,000 per violation.

Noise Abatement Procedures
Reagan National's prescribed noise abatement procedures are not "rules" but a carefully developed set of operational guidelines.

National's procedures specify that pilots of turbojet aircraft departing to the north fly northwest over the Potomac River corridor or fly northeast over the Anacostia River corridor, and those departing to the south follow the Potomac River corridor.

In good visibility, pilots departing to the northwest follow the Potomac River corridor to the vicinity of the Georgetown Reservoir about four miles from the airport. There they have the option of continuing to follow the river corridor visually or follow an instrument heading until they are approximately ten nautical miles from the airport. After this point, they are turned by air traffic control either west or east to their departure route. When aircraft take off to the south, they follow the Potomac River for at least five miles before being turned to their departure route. Pilots using the Anacostia River route follow the river to a point five nautical miles from National before being turned to their departure route. When visibility is poor or when strong wind conditions exist, pilots are directed by Air Traffic Control to follow specific headings.

Pilots are urged to use thrust management, a procedure in which pilots of departing flights cut back on the amount of power they apply during takeoff. At an altitude of 1,500 feet, the thrust is reduced to a level that would allow the aircraft to climb at approximately 500 feet per minute. Normal climb power is reapplied when the aircraft is 10 miles from the airfield.

National's prescribed procedures were developed to provide relief to the greatest number of residents throughout the region. Regrettably, many people living close to the rivers are exposed to the noise from these operations --a problem that has recently been greatly reduced as older, noisier aircraft have been replaced by newer, quieter equipment.

Noise Monitoring System

A computerized aircraft noise monitoring system is used for National Airport aircraft. Permanent remote noise monitoring stations have been installed at strategic locations keyed to the primary arrival and departure paths at National Airport. Each noise monitoring station measures and analyzes noise events as they occur. The ability to directly measure aircraft noise at these specific locations helps the Airports Authority to identify the extent of community noise impacts, to predict trends for the future, and to monitor compliance with National's noise abatement procedures.

Existing Noise Monitoring Sites (MAP)

Partners in Progress
Public participation is a key element in the Airports Authority's effort to improve its noise abatement performance. The Airports Authority works closely with local government officials, concerned citizens, the FAA, airlines, pilots, and other representatives of the aviation industry to meet the challenge of reducing aircraft noise. Public hearings, meetings with civic and homeowner associations and informal information sessions provide opportunities to discuss prospective noise abatement measures. The Authority coordinates its noise compatibility studies with local planning agencies so projected airport development and flight activity trends might be considered in land use and zoning decisions.

The Airports Authority works closely with the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments on noise and other issues at the airports. The Committee on Noise Abatement and Aviation at National and Dulles Airports (CONAANDA) is the primary body for these issues. For more information on the committee please see their website at http://www.mwcog.org/environment/airport/conaanda.

If You Have a Concern
A 24-hour Noise Complaint Telephone Center operates at National's Operations Office. This gives citizens a way to voice their concerns over aircraft noise. The telephone number is 703-417-8020.  Calls about noise near Dulles are accepted at 703-572-8215.  Usually a duty officer will speak with the caller personally, but if that person is not available, the Center's voicemail will record the complaint. The Manager of the Authority's Noise Abatement Office is also available to discuss noise concerns.

Click here for Federal Aviation Regulation (Part 150) Noise Study UPDATE - August 13, 2007