MASSPORT: About Massport: Pressroom: Archives 2002

News

More Than 95,000 Users Log On for Real Data on Airplane Activity

October 17, 2002

Mayor Thomas M. Menino and the Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport) today announced that there have been more than 95,000 individual user sessions since the noise monitoring site came on-line on August 19. The new system gives area residents direct access to information once available only to airlines and FAA air-traffic controllers. Now airport neighbors can track the airline, aircraft type and altitude of airplanes flying in and out of Logan. This provides local residents with timely and accurate information on aircraft activity.

"These figures clearly show that for people living near Logan Airport, the activity in the sky above plays a very central role in their quality of life, and they want to stay informed" said Mayor Menino. "When we announced this program, I said that information is key to a balanced coexistence. I applaud Massport not only for recognizing the need for such a system but for implementing and maintaining it so effectively."

"This innovative system opens the door for more open and honest dialogue between Massport, the airlines, the FAA and nearby airport neighbors," said Craig Coy, Massport's CEO. "While we are still looking at ways to improve the site, the high number of local residents accessing the site clearly shows it is meeting a need for more information."

The program is called Airport Monitor and was developed for Massport by Connecticut-based Megadata. Airport Monitor, a computerized radar image with color-coded arriving, departing and over-flight planes. The information is updated about every four seconds, but due to security reasons, the site works on a 10-minute delay. Its features include:

Color-coded flight tracking of aircraft arriving/departing Logan and traveling through the region
Near real time info (10 min. delay) on aircraft type, altitude and aircraft ID number
One hour replay function that archives flight track data for 3 months (Additional information about the airline and airport of origin/destination)
Radar range from 4 miles around Logan to 90 miles

In addition to the new Airport Monitor offered on-line, Massport has also added an on-line noise complaint form as an alternative to the existing Noise Complaint Line (617-561-3333). There are other enhancements to the site including information on how Logan's airfield works and a simplified glossary of technical terminology associated with noise monitoring.

To further enhance community involvement and understanding of Airport Monitor, Massport has established a Massport Website Technical Working Group of residents who have shown a particular interest in this technology and represent a cross-section of greater Boston area neighborhoods and community groups. The working group will assist in the development of additional enhancements to Airport Monitor and to gather residents' input on information sharing on noise via the web.