Transition to Quieter Aircraft Was Expected to Benefit Communities, Airports, and Airlines

The mandated transition to quieter aircraft was expected to reduce the number of people exposed to noise levels that FAA considers incompatible with residential living, to facilitate needed airport expansion, and to enable airlines to embark on long-term planning for investing in and operating their fleets. Less noise from airport operations was expected to reduce community opposition to airport expansion. Expectations Were Partially Realized

The results anticipated from the transition to meet Stage 3 noise standards were partially realized. Also, FAA estimates that the transition to aircraft compliant with Stage 3 noise standards considerably reduced the population exposed to levels of noise from airport operations that FAA considers incompatible with residential living. Despite the significant decrease in the population exposed to incompatible noise, the demand continues for federally authorized support for noise mitigation efforts that are provided through a federal grant program and a federally authorized passenger boarding fee. Our review of the results of the transition, however, especially compared with the expectations, raises two key issues: (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?
What GAO Found

The transition to quieter aircraft required by the Airport Noise and Capacity Act of 1990 was expected to benefit communities, airports, and airlines. In turn, the transition was expected to reduce community opposition to airport operations and expansion and to reduce the demand for funds provided for noise abatement through federal grants and user charges. The results expected from the transition to quieter aircraft were partially realized. The transition occurred as planned and considerably reduced the population exposed to noise levels incompatible with residential living. Nevertheless, noise concerns remain a barrier 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. First, even though fewer people are exposed to aircraft noise, according to a survey in 1999-2000, more than half of the noise complaints came from people living in areas exposed to noise levels that FAA considers compatible with residential living. Second, if people are allowed to move to areas close to an airport, they may later find themselves exposed to noise levels that FAA considers incompatible with residential living as the airport's operations grow to meet rising demands. Furthermore, residential development in such areas could generate new opposition to airports operations and future expansion plans.