Consider a Part 150 Study

A Code of Federal Regulations Part 150 Noise Compatibility Study is a voluntary study prepared by an airport to define the five-year vision of compatibility between an airport and the surrounding communities. Part 150 of the FAR, Noise Control and Compatibility Planning for Airports, was enacted in 1981 and establishes guidelines for a program that:

  • Measures current and future aircraft noise levels and their associated effects on the surrounding communities.
  • Outlines actions that will reduce or minimize aircraft noise over sensitive areas.
  • Establishes land use guidelines to address compatibility between the airport and its surrounding communities.
  • Identifies areas where aircraft noise is present and encourages land uses that are compatible.
  • Develops a comprehensive Noise Compatibility Program for the airport.

A Part 150 Study includes Noise Exposure Maps that define the existing and future aircraft noise exposure boundaries surrounding the airport and a Noise Compatibility Plan to identify mitigation measures that could correct surrounding non-compatible land uses.

Although studies are not normally required, a Part 150 Study may be a requirement for some projects. A Part 150 Study is a pre-requisite for federal funding, authorized by FAA, to mitigate aircraft noise impacts to the surrounding community. Funding to conduct a Part 150 Study may be available through an FAA AIP planning grant. Recommended noise mitigation measures may also be eligible for FAA funding.

A noise study can also be conducted voluntarily without federal funding. When a noise study is conducted outside of the formal requirements of a Part 150 Study, the airport has some leeway with regard to the scope and detail of the plan. It can be tailored to an airport’s and community’s needs and can help create a dialogue between the airport and the surrounding community. However, there is no federal funding available to conduct the study or for implementation of study recommendations.

Resources


National Studies
  • SEA Part 150 Study

    Seattle-Tacoma International Airport completed Part 150 noise studies in 2002 and 2013. The updated study was designed to identify noise incompatibilities surrounding the airport, and to recommend measures to both correct existing incompatibilities and to prevent future incompatibilities.

  • ANC Part 150 Study

    Ted Stevens International Airport completed a Part 150 Study in 2014. The FAA determined that the Noise Exposure Maps created for this study are now in compliance with all federal regulations.

  • VNY Part 150 Study

    Van Nuys Airport submitted a Part 150 Study in 2007. Two years later, their Noise Exposure Maps were approved by the FAA.

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