As reported by WTOP Radio, Fairfax County is taking decisive steps to reduce aircraft noise for residents living south of Reagan National Airport. Following a year-long study by aviation consulting firm Vianair, county leaders were briefed on proposed flight path changes aimed at minimizing noise over densely populated neighborhoods. The recommendations include rerouting planes over the Potomac River, industrial zones, and highways, while maximizing altitude and dispersing flight tracks to avoid concentrated noise in sensitive areas.
The proposals, which could reduce flight paths over some communities by up to 43%, are now under review by the county’s Community Noise Working Group. If approved, they will be submitted to the FAA for final consideration—a process that could take several years. Fairfax County Board Chairman Jeff McKay called the changes “no-brainers” that could significantly improve quality of life for thousands of residents.
However, aircraft noise remains a concern for residents of western Fairfax County especially along the Potomac. Leaders from Fairfax County and other localities face the task of not only getting support from the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA), but from local residents who might see more flights over their homes to alleviate the impact on neighbors.
“It would be great at some point to get MWAA to support this,” said Board of Supervisors Chairman Jeff McKay. “We’re not pushing for any more capacity, [we’re] trying to steer more traffic into Dulles, if anything.”
Mount Vernon District Supervisor Dan Storck said it may be difficult to convince residents who aren’t currently affected by airplane noise to accept discomfort to benefit others. Storck also noted that he currently lives in a flight path and hears planes typically around midnight and 1 a.m.
“We have a big challenge with this,” Storck said. “In general, I think the community will be supportive. I know there are impacts from some of the areas and some individuals who may not perceive that they should have any additional flights over their neighborhood.”