Neighborhoods in Accokeek (CDP), Bryans Road (CDP), Bennsville (CDP), and Fort Washington (CDP), Maryland, are subjected to constant airport noise and pollution from Reagan National Airport. The FAA has implemented a Noise Policy Review to advance the scientific understanding of noise impacts and develop analytical tools and technologies. The results of this study could lead to a reduction in aircraft noise. Only three people from Accokeek commented. To learn more about the Noise Policy Review, follow the link in the remainder of this document.

Read the Noise Policy Review Federal Register Notice.

The comment period for the Noise Policy Review Federal Register Notice was open from May 1, 2023, until September 29, 2023, and is now closed. Over 4,800 comments were received on the notice, and the FAA has begun reviewing comments. As the FAA completes a review of received comments, updates on timelines and next steps for the Noise Policy Review will be posted to this webpage as they become available.

Review the Foundational Elements of the FAA Civil Aircraft Noise Policy.

The FAA is reviewing our noise policy as part of our ongoing commitment to address aircraft noise. This effort builds on our work to advance the scientific understanding of noise impacts as well as the development of analytical tools and technologies.-  SMFSC

To read comments on the FAA website, go to this URL Link.

https://www.faa.gov/noisepolicyreview

MEETING SCHEDULE UPDATE:
 MWAA will conduct virtual Noise Working Group meetings until further notice.

Next Meeting - April 25th, 2024 - 6 pm to 8 pm (people may log on at 5:45 pm)

Please click here to view the meeting live. Or, copy and paste the link into your browser.

Go to the FAA Web Page if you have problems with the Zoom link. A link to view the meeting will be available on the DCA Community Working Group web page. https://www.flyreagan.com/about-airport/aircraft-noise-information/dca-reagan-national-community-working-group

Vianair, Inc has signed an agreement with Prince George’s County, Fairfax County, and Alexandria to identify strategies to reduce overflights and noise impacts on residential communities south of Regan Airport. If you live in Accokeek or Fort Washington and are concerned about the 400 airplanes that travel over our communities daily, this contract should interest you.  - SMFSC

Latest information on the FAA Reauthorization Bill July 25, 2023 - The House voted to Reject changing the DCA slot perimeter rules. The next step is for the Senate to vote to Reject changing the DCA slot perimeter rules. If both the House and the Senate agree, the slot perimeter rules will remain as it is, ensuring Safe, Efficient Travel at DCA. - click this URL to read additional information

Who to call or email if you haven't already:
Senator Cardin: (202) 224-4524 or email shannon_frede@cardin.senate.gov
Senator Van Hollen: (202) 224-4654 or email deborah_haynie@vanhollen.senate.gov
Congressman Steny Hoyer: (202) 225-4131 or email

Steny.Hoyer2@mail.house.gov

Tell the staffer who answers your call (or put this information into an email) –
Airplane noise from DCA airport already impacts me seriously (tell a short personal story).
Please stand firm to protect the slot/perimeter rules at Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA).
Please thank the Senator/Congressman for his ongoing support on these issues.
Thanks for your hard work, everyone!  

Montgomery County Quiet Skies Coalition

The FAA Reauthorization Act funds and governs how the FAA regulates airlines. A group of airline special interests wants to bring larger long-distance airplanes to Regan Airport. Suppose the slot/perimeter rules at Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) are changed to allow larger long-distance planes to land at Regan. All of us who live in Accokeek, Brandywine, and Fort Washington will experience increased noise and pollution. A proposed amendment to the FAA reauthorization bill would increase the number of flights out of DCA serving destinations outside the 1,250-mile perimeter. - SMFSC

To learn more about the slot perimeter rule - CPARA

SMFSC Link to information The slot/perimeter rule

Link to article: Latest news June 20, 2023 - The Hill

At present, the airport has only 11 flights to cities outside that perimeter. The amendment, which is supported by both Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee Chairwoman Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) and Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), the panel’s ranking member, would add four flight slots for long-distance cities. A Thursday markup on the bill was scrapped as negotiations continue over an unrelated provision centered on airline pilot qualifications. 

However, the DMV-based senators are going to the mat to stop the amendment, saying they will use every tool available to them to defeat it. They penned an op-ed in The Washington Post on Thursday taking aim at the proposal, arguing that Reagan National is already bursting at the seams and cannot handle more flights without an increase in delays and longer lines.  

The Southern Maryland Fair Skies Coalition - The slot/perimeter rules at Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) - Airlines serving Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (Reagan National) are subject to, among other federal operational requirements, (1) a "perimeter rule," limiting nonstop flights to 1,250 miles unless there is an exemption, and (2) a "slot" or operating authorization requirement for each takeoff and landing.

 The Montgomery County, Quiet Skies Coalition, provided this valuable information. I received permission to republish it here.

 June 14, 2023

The FAA Reauthorization is happening NOW - your voice is needed! 

This only happens once every five years - please act NOW. 

TODAY, or NLT than the end of this week, please call (BEST) or email (ALSO GOOD!) Senator Cardin, Senator Van Hollen, and Congressman Steny Hoyer.  Their contact information is below. 

Please tell the staffer who answers your call (or put this information into an email) –

1.      Airplane noise impacts me seriously (tell a short personal story).

2.      I am asking you to support the legislative amendments to the FAA Reauthorization that have been sent to your office by the Montgomery County Quiet Skies Coalition (MCQSC).  These legislative amendments, if passed, would help to mitigate the negative impacts of noise on communities like mine.  

3.      Please particularly stand firm to protect the slot/perimeter rules at Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA). 

4.      Please thank the Senator/Congressman for his ongoing support on these issues. 

Contact information:

·  Senator Cardin: (202) 224-4524 or email shannon_frede@cardin.senate.gov

·  Senator Van Hollen: (202) 224-4654 or email deborah_haynie@vanhollen.senate.gov

·  Congressman Steny Hoyer: (202) 225-4131 or email hoyer.house.gov   

MCQSC leaders have also been working hard on these issues on your behalf!  

1.      MCQSC has sent a list of proposed amendments to the FAA Reauthorization (attached) to our Maryland legislators and asked for their active support to get some of them into the final bill. Unfortunately, none of our legislators are on the relevant Committees, but they could offer amendments from the floor in the next week.  

2.      MCQSC has sent a letter (attached) to the Chairs and Ranking Members of the House Transportation Committee and the Senate Commerce Committee opposing changes to the DCA slot/perimeter rules.  We have shared that letter with our M.D. legislators and with all the members of the Congressional Quiet Skies Caucus. 

3.      MCQSC has joined the Coalition to Protect America's Regional Airports, a group that includes MWAA, United Airlines and many regional airports and business groups that is united in opposing any weakening of the DCA slot/perimeter rules.  

4.      MCQSC has worked closely for the past 18 months with the Aviation Impacted Communities Alliance to coordinate legislative requests for the FAA Reauthorization across over 70 organizations like ours across the U.S.  The lists of bills and amendments that we are asking our legislators to support, along with 70 communities that are part of this alliance, are attached FYI.  

5.      We continue to work closely with the national organization Quiet Communities to educate the public about the health impacts of noise.  Quiet Communities had a big role in the N.Y. Times report that we shared yesterday – here again is that link. 

Now it's your turn!  Please call or email our M.D. legislators!! 

Go to this FAA website to read about the slot/perimeter rules at Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA)

MWAA Noise Working Group - The Reagan National Community Noise Working Group was established in October 2015 to engage broad-based community participation to identify practical aircraft noise solutions and recommendations to the FAA.

John Mitchell has been our Prince George’s County (Accokeek) primary representative since 2015. John resigned and was replaced by William Parker.

Edward Williams is the primary Prince George’s County (Fort Washington). 

Our sister organization, the Montgomery County Quiet Skies Coalition, published this article. May 5, 2023.

A new organization calling itself the Capital Access Alliance is urging Congress to eliminate the long-standing perimeter rule at Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA). Doing so would allow unlimited long-haul flights to arrive and depart at DCA. Airplanes used for long-haul flights are significantly larger and heavier than those used for regional flights, therefore they produce more noise disturbance. Also they tend to depart in the early morning and arrive late at night because they are departing to or taking off from far-off destinations. This means the noise problems they create are even more impactful than the other 400+ arriving and 400+ departing flights per day at DCA, which already disturb the sleep and quality of life of many thousands of residents.

Montgomery County Quiet Skies Coalition

https://www.mocoquietskies.org/updates/oqn0fhketj946jmqueatrguhi444xx

The following op-ed appeared in the Washington Post on May 24th. Federal law expressly delegates operational control of both airports to the authority with the local knowledge and aviation industry expertise to run two major airports.

Opinion: Congress Should Not Tell Reagan National How To Operate -

Our Maryland Congressional delegation has written a letter to other members of Congress stating their position that the perimeter rule at DCA should not be legislatively altered. 

The Capital Access Alliance's proposal to eliminate the perimeter rule at Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) raises valid concerns about the potential increase in noise disturbance and its impact on the quality of life for residents in the surrounding areas.

The perimeter rule at DCA was implemented to limit the distance of nonstop flights to and from the airport, in order to manage noise levels and congestion. By allowing only regional flights and certain exemptions, the rule helps to mitigate the impact on local communities.

Long-haul flights typically involve larger and heavier aircraft, which can generate more noise compared to regional flights. Moreover, their departure and arrival times may be outside the usual operating hours, potentially exacerbating the disturbance for residents during early morning and late-night hours.

Over 400 arriving and departing flights daily at DCA pose a significant noise challenge for the surrounding communities. Introducing unlimited long-haul flights without proper noise mitigation measures could significantly worsen the situation.

When considering any changes to airport operations, it is crucial to balance accessibility and the well-being of residents. Any decision to eliminate the perimeter rule should involve careful evaluation of the potential impact on noise levels and the community's quality of life. The concerns of residents and other stakeholders should be taken into account during the decision-making process to ensure a fair and equitable outcome

Airport noise refers to the sound generated by aircraft during takeoff, landing, and taxiing on the runway. It is a common concern for people living near airports, as the noise can have various impacts on their quality of life. Here are some key points about airport noise:

1. Sources of Airport Noise: The main sources of airport noise are aircraft engines, particularly jet engines, which produce a significant amount of noise during operation. Other sources include auxiliary power units (APUs), ground support equipment, and aircraft movement on the runway.

2. Noise Levels: The noise generated by aircraft is typically measured in decibels (dB). Takeoff and landing phases produce the most significant noise levels, which can range from around 100 dB to over 120 dB. Taxiing and ground operations generally produce lower noise levels but can still be noticeable.

3. Factors Affecting Noise Levels: Several factors contribute to the noise levels experienced by individuals living near airports. These factors include the type of aircraft, engine design, flight path, altitude, and distance from the runway. Additionally, environmental factors such as weather conditions can influence how sound propagates.

4. Health and Environmental Impacts: Excessive exposure to airport noise can have negative effects on human health, including sleep disturbances, stress, and increased risk of cardiovascular issues. It can also disrupt communication, affect concentration, and decrease overall quality of life for individuals residing in affected areas. Airport noise can also impact wildlife and ecosystems, particularly in areas close to airports.

5. Noise Mitigation Measures: Airport authorities and aircraft manufacturers employ various strategies to mitigate airport noise. These measures include implementing noise abatement procedures, optimizing flight paths, using quieter aircraft engines, and installing sound barriers and insulation in affected buildings. However, complete elimination of airport noise is challenging due to the nature of aviation operations.

6. Regulatory Framework: Many countries have regulations in place to manage and control airport noise. These regulations often set limits on noise levels, impose restrictions on nighttime flights, and require airports to develop noise management plans. Noise monitoring and community engagement programs are also part of these regulatory frameworks.

7. Community Engagement: Airports often engage with local communities to address concerns related to airport noise. This can involve public consultations, establishing community advisory committees, and implementing programs to inform residents about noise levels and mitigation efforts.

It's important to note that specific noise levels and mitigation strategies can vary depending on the airport and its surrounding area. If you have concerns about airport noise, it is advisable to contact the relevant airport authority or local government for more information on specific measures and initiatives in your area.

Aircraft noise is also an environmental justice issue, as it disproportionately impacts children, seniors, racial minorities, and the poor. 

How to Submit a Reagan National Aircraft Noise Complaint: File a Noise Complaint

Due to COVID-19, MWAA will conduct virtual Noise Working Group meetings until further notice. We encourage our members to watch the meeting. 

MWAA Noise Working Group meetings. Next Meeting - July 27th, 2023 - 6 pm to 8 pm (people may log on at 5:45 pm)

Please click here to view the meeting live. Or, copy and paste the link into your browser.

Go to the FAA Web Page if you have problems with the Zoom link. A link for viewing the meeting will be available on the DCA Community Working Group web page.

https://www.flyreagan.com/about-airport/aircraft-noise-information/dca-reagan-national-community-working-group