The FAA rejected a proposal Monday that would have established a night-time ban at Bob Hope Airport (KBUR) in Burbank, CA citing an “undue burden on commerce.”
Whether in Burbank or Westchester County, NY, for decades local officials have petitioned to limit night-time travel in order to reduce the noise impact on surrounding communities. But once again, the many benefits provided by aviation commerce have far outweighed these concerns, with the FAA stating on November 2, 2009 in a 42-page ruling, that such restrictions are “not reasonable” because it would create “and undue burden on commerce.”
Restrictions proposed in Burbank would have banned flights by airlines, cargo operators, charter services and private pilots between the hour of 10 pm and 7 am, with exceptions for emergencies. Airlines presently operate under voluntary agreements to limit their flights between these hours, in consideration for those living in nearby communities.
However, a mandatory restriction would force flights delayed by weather or unforeseen circumstances to fly to an alternate airport. This would cause significant hardship not only to the airline but the passengers as well, who would then have to spend the night waiting for the curfew to end or make other arrangements to get home. In addition, such a curfew would worsen congestion elsewhere in the affected regions.
Westchester County’s local and state officials having proposed a similar ban for Westchester County Airport, should pay close attention to the Burbank decision. Often local officials seem oblivious to the economic engine Westchester County Airport has become, contributing well over 7,000 jobs and $150 million in revenue for the County (2000 statistics, New York State Dept. of Transportation). Efforts to limit this airport’s operational hours would exacerbate the downturn the local economy is already suffering.
National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) welcomed the decision of the FAA. “Access to our national network of community airports is at the cornerstone of the mobility and efficiency that are the heart of business aviation,” said Ed Bolen, President and CEO of NBAA. “When businesses aviation access is preserved at airports, it’s also a win for nearby communities, which benefit from the jobs, investment and economic activity that is created.”
Community airports are the life-force to local commerce, and the aviation community strives to be ‘good neighbors’ and continue their efforts to reduce noise impact. If fact, due to these voluntary policies and improvements in engine technology, the Westchester County Airport is actually 50% quieter that it was 20 years ago.
It would behoove our legislatures, in whatever districts they represent, to education themselves and their constituents as to the benefits of aviation commerce. Officials and community members should listen closely to the FAA ruling in Burbank and drop their effort to impose a mandatory curfew.
For the latest noise abatement information regarding Westchester County Airport specifically, visit http://www.westchestergov.com/airport/noise_abatement_website.htm
