Aviation and the environment : transition to quieter aircraft occurred as planned, but concerns about noise persist

819619PDFTech ReportGAO-01-1053AircraftAirlinesAirportsAviationEnvironmentNoiseNoise controlCommunitiesResidential areasReal estate developmentUnited StatesUnited States. General Accounting OfficeUnited States. Government Accountability OfficeNTL-AVIATION-AVIATIONNTL-AVIATION-Airports and FacilitiesNTL-AVIATION-Aviation Energy and EnvironmentUS Transportation CollectionAircraft noise is a major concern in communities around airports despite considerable reductions in such noise and a corresponding decrease in the population exposed to it. Recently, the United states participated with other countries in the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) to develop a more stringent aircraft noise standard for subsonic jets and large propeller-driven aircraft. Because the United States is considering moving to a new, more stringent noise standard, the General Accounting Office (GAO) was asked to provide a retrospective analysis of the transition to their current stage 3 aircraft noise standards. This report discusses expectations, results, and issues raised by the transition. Briefly, results of the analysis indicate that the transition to quieter aircraft required by Airport Noise and Reduction Capacity Act (ANCA) of 1990 was expected to benefit communities, airports, and airlines. Level of noise in and surrounding airports was expected to decline, in turn reducing community opposition to airport operations. Airlines expected the transition to facilitate their long-term planning for investment. The results expected from the transition to quieter aircraft were partially realized. The transition occurred as planned and considerably reduced the population exposed to levels of noise incompatible with residential living. Nevertheless, noise concerns remain an impediment to airport expansion, and the demand for federally authorized support for noise abatement efforts has continued. GAO identified two key issues for review by the aviation community. 1) Why does concern about noise continue to generate substantial opposition to airport operations and expansion after such a major decline in the number of people living in areas exposed to incompatible levels of noise? 2) As noise levels decrease, how can local governments be encouraged to take responsibility for minimizing the exposure of residents to noise by preventing new residential development from encroaching on airports, when such areas may later become incompatible as airport operation