Part 150 Studies

A Part 150 Study is the FAA’s directed way to evaluate aircraft noise and land use compatibility primarily. It is a voluntary aircraft noise and land use compatibility study that identifies existing and future aircraft noise levels, land use compatibility and develops alternatives to abate or mitigate aircraft noise over noise sensitive uses.

14 CFR Part 150, Airport Noise Compatibility Planning, established the airport noise compatibility planning program and its guiding criteria was promulgated by the FAA in 1981, subsequent to its authorization under ASNA. The regulation sets forth the requirements that program sponsors must first identify the current and anticipated noise exposure patterns at the airport, based on annual average conditions, using tools and methodologies prescribed by the regulation. Secondly, the sponsor may prepare a Noise Compatibility Program for review and approval by the FAA to make noise mitigation projects eligible for federal funding. These may include acquisition in areas of significant noise exposure, modification of flight paths and runway use programs, structures and facilities to mitigate noise, sound insulation programs, or any number of other project categories. This program has become the primary vehicle for airports to become eligible for AIP and PFC funding for noise abatement and mitigation projects.

Also, the FAA has established Environmental Orders and supplemental guidance for the evaluation of aircraft noise within the larger context of the assessment of all environmental consequences of an airport related development or planning action. These pertain to the EIS and the EA evaluation process.