Noise Abatement at L.G. Hanscom Field

First and foremost, Massport recommends that pilots observe all airspeed limitations and Air Traffic Control instructions. Use of quiet flying techniques is voluntary. In 1999, Massport reaffirmed its support of the National Business Aircraft Association (NBAA) noise abatement procedures for turbine aircraft. Also in 1999, Massport adopted the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association’s (AOPA’s) quiet flying recommendations for piston aircraft and worked with local pilots to identify quiet flying techniques for helicopters.

Quiet Flying Techniques

The NBAA recommends quiet flying techniques for jet and turboprop aircraft to minimize the noise generated over residential areas. For departures, these include recommended flap settings and rate of climb. For arrivals, these include flap settings, descent altitudes, time for extending landing gear, and the use of reverse thrust.

AOPA recommends procedures for piston aircraft that include using the full runway. The rate of climb and the timing for departing the traffic pattern can be adjusted to minimize noise over residential areas. Altitude and propeller settings during arrivals can also help reduce noise exposure.

Massport has not identified a national organization that recommends noise abatement procedures for helicopters. Therefore, in 1999 some Hanscom helicopter pilots helped identify some basic airspeed and altitude recommendations that help reduce the noise impact.

More Information on Hanscom's Noise Abatement Program

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