Strategies To Mitigate Airport Noise Complaints For Residents

If you live near an airport and are bothered by the noise, you are not powerless. Many airports have their contact information and noise abatement information published on their websites, and you can reach out to them directly to address your concerns. In Ireland, noise complaints fall under four main categories: entertainment, domestic/neighbourhood noise, industrial/commercial activities, and transport-related noise sources. For transport-related noise complaints, the Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) is the main authority for dealing with road- and rail-related noise complaints. If you are in the United States, the FAA's Aviation Noise Ombudsman serves as a liaison with the public on aircraft noise issues.

Who to contact: local airport office, airport manager, or Aviation Noise Ombudsman

If you are experiencing airport noise and want to file a complaint, there are a few options for who to contact. The best first step is to reach out to the local airport office staff or manager. You can check your local telephone directory for airport telephone numbers or visit the Airport Data and Contact Information page to find the manager's contact information. Many airports also have their contact information and noise abatement details published on their websites. If you are experiencing noise from helicopter operations, you should contact the helicopter operator directly.

If you live near a military installation and are experiencing military aircraft noise, you should try contacting their noise office or community relations department for more information on their operations in your community.

If you are in Ireland, specifically near Dublin Airport, you can file a noise complaint directly on the Dublin Airport Authority (DAA) website. The Aircraft Noise Competent Authority (ANCA), a separate entity within Fingal County Council, is responsible for ensuring that noise generated by aircraft activity at Dublin Airport is assessed and managed in accordance with EU and Irish regulations. They have a Noise Action Plan for Dublin Airport for the period 2024-2028, which outlines a long-term strategy for managing noise in the surrounding communities.

If your concerns about airport or aircraft noise cannot be addressed by the local airport office, airport manager, or other relevant authorities, you can contact the FAA Aviation Noise Ombudsman. The Ombudsman serves as a liaison between the public and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on aircraft noise issues. When contacting the Ombudsman, be prepared to provide a thorough description of your noise issue, the times and dates of the disturbance, the type of aircraft involved, whether the issue is recurring, and documentation of any officials you have previously contacted. The best way to reach the FAA Aviation Noise Ombudsman is by email at [email protected].

What details to include: description, dates and times, type of aircraft, if recurring

When making a noise complaint about aircraft noise, it is important to include as much detail as possible. This helps the relevant authorities to understand the nature and specifics of your complaint. Here is a breakdown of the details you should include:

Description

Provide a thorough description of the noise issue you are experiencing. Include specifics such as the location where the noise is most prominent, the direction from which the noise is coming, and how it is impacting you or your community. For example, you might describe the noise as a loud, constant rumbling that is disrupting sleep or causing difficulty in conversation.

Dates and Times

Keep a record of the dates and times when you experience the noise disturbance. Note the frequency and duration of the noise. For example, is it a recurring daily issue, or does it occur at specific times of the week or month? This information helps authorities identify patterns and specific incidents.

Type of Aircraft

If possible, identify the type of aircraft causing the noise. This could include commercial jets, helicopters, military aircraft, or general aviation planes. You can also mention any distinguishing features, such as size, colour, or any markings that could help identify the aircraft.

Recurring Issue

Indicate whether the noise issue is an ongoing, recurring problem or an isolated incident. If it is a recurring issue, mention the frequency and any patterns you have noticed. For example, you might notice that the noise occurs daily during specific hours or on certain days of the week. This information helps authorities understand the extent and persistence of the problem.

By including these details in your complaint, you provide valuable information that can assist the relevant authorities in addressing the noise issue. It enables them to identify patterns, track specific aircraft, and take appropriate steps to mitigate the noise impact on your community.

Where to find contact info: local telephone directory, airport website, or government website

If you are experiencing airport noise and want to know where to direct your complaint, there are a few places you can look to find the appropriate contact information. Firstly, you can try checking your local telephone directory for airport telephone numbers. This may be a quick and easy way to find the right number to call.

Another option is to visit the official website of the airport in question. Many airports publish their contact information and noise abatement information on their websites, so you can reach out directly to address your concerns. Additionally, some airports may have a specific noise complaint form or page dedicated to addressing noise concerns, as is the case with Dublin Airport.

If you are unable to find the information you need through the airport's website or local directories, you can try looking for government websites or pages that deal with noise complaints. For example, in Ireland, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) provides information on different noise categories and the responsible authorities for handling complaints. They also offer an EPA Noise Log Sheet that can be submitted to an inspector for assessment.

In the United States, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has an Aviation Noise Ombudsman who serves as a liaison with the public on aircraft noise issues. While the FAA suggests first contacting local airport staff or the manager, they provide contact information for the ombudsman, including an email address and physical mailing address, for more complex or unresolved issues.

Remember to keep a detailed record of the noise issues you are experiencing, including dates, times, types of aircraft, and any recurring patterns. This information will be helpful when making your complaint and can be included in your communication with the relevant authorities.

What to do if unresolved: contact ombudsman, provide details of previous contacts

If your airport noise complaint remains unresolved, you can contact an ombudsman. In the case of aircraft noise, the FAA's Aviation Noise Ombudsman acts as a liaison with the public on issues regarding aircraft noise.

Before contacting an ombudsman, it is recommended that you first attempt to address your concerns with the local airport office staff or manager. Many airports publish contact information and noise abatement details on their websites. If your complaint is military aircraft-related, contact the noise office or community relations department of the military installation in question.

When contacting the FAA Aviation Noise Ombudsman, provide the following details:

• A thorough description of your noise issue, including the type of aircraft involved (e.g., commercial jets, helicopters, etc.) and whether the noise issue is recurring.
• The times and dates you are experiencing the noise disturbance.
• Documentation of every official you have previously contacted regarding the issue. This includes any communication with airport staff, managers, or military bases.

The best way to reach the FAA Aviation Noise Ombudsman is by email, which allows for the quick distribution of your message to the appropriate experts. You can send your email to [email protected]. If you prefer, you can also call and leave a voicemail or send a letter using the following contact information:

Federal Aviation Administration, Aviation Noise Ombudsman, ARA 800 Independence Ave., SW Suite 306 Washington, DC 20591

What to do if anonymous: avoid, as these won't be investigated

If you are submitting a complaint about airport noise, it is important to note that anonymous complaints will not be investigated. Therefore, it is best to avoid submitting an anonymous complaint. Instead, provide your contact information so that the appropriate authorities can follow up with you if needed.

When submitting a noise complaint, be sure to include as much detail as possible. This includes the date, time, and duration of the noise disturbance, as well as a description of the type of aircraft involved (e.g. commercial jets, helicopters, etc.). If you are able to provide specific information about the flight path or airport of origin, that can also be helpful.

In most cases, it is recommended to first contact the local airport office staff or manager to address your concerns. Many airports have their contact information and noise abatement information published on their websites. You can also try checking your local telephone directory or looking for airport data and contact information online.

If you are unable to resolve your issue with the local airport, you may need to contact a higher authority. In the United States, for example, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has an Aviation Noise Ombudsman who serves as a liaison with the public on issues related to aircraft noise. Similar authorities may exist in other countries as well.

By providing detailed information and contacting the appropriate authorities, you can effectively submit a noise complaint and increase the chances of having your concerns addressed.

Frequently asked questions