NOISE MEASURES TO BE STUDIED AT LOS ANGELES AND VAN NUYS AIRPORTS

(Los Angeles, CA – February 18, 2003) In an effort to expand the noise mitigation efforts at Los Angeles International (LAX) and Van Nuys (VNY) Airports, the Board of Airport Commissioners today authorized airport staff to move forward with advertising for qualified firms to perform two studies of noise control measures proposed for the two airports.

The studies will be conducted as two separate and complete Federal Aviation Regulation (FAR) Part 161 studies for Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approval. The noise control measure proposed for LAX prohibits the east departure of all aircraft from LAX between the hours of 12:00 midnight and 6:30 a.m. when the airport is operating over-ocean operations, or when it remains in westerly operations during these hours.

The Van Nuys measure involves the study of seven noise control measures ranging from monetary fines for violation of noise abatement policies to a possible future cap or phase-out of helicopters at the Van Nuys facility.

"The noise mitigation measures to be analyzed under the studies reflect the input that has been provided through the efforts of the advisory committees and the LAX/Community Noise Roundtable," said Mayor James K. Hahn. "It is encouraging to see the airports and the communities work together to reduce noise impacts associated with operations at our airports."

The three main elements of the Part 161 process include the collection and analyses of necessary data to justify the restriction, the notification of the public and airport stakeholders, and the submittal of the proposed restriction to the FAA for review and approval.

It is anticipated that these studies will take from three to five years to complete.