Now mandatory requirements by the Federal government that are working to phase out noisier aircraft. These new requirements have led to technological developments in the aircraft industry, in regards to developing quieter aircraft. Aircraft that do not meet these mandated standards have to be replaced or retrofitted, before they can fly ("Noise abatement program," n.d.). Land use is the third prong of MCO's noise reduction plan.
Acquisition of land both north and south of the main terminals is a significant assistance in reducing noise, for the airport. This is especially true as landings and takeoffs are north-south. Lake Warren lies directly north of the two largest runways, and it is sparsely populated directly south of these two runways. However, land is developed directly to the west of the airport boundaries.
Conclusion: Recommendations for Resolution of the Problem
Currently, MCO is managing noise as effectively as possible. Given the size of the airport and quantity of flights it services, noise is going to continue to be a challenge. Other airports may be able to implement plans such as limiting the number of flights that come in the middle of the night or re-directing flight patterns to avoid high density populations -- neither of these are realistic for MCO. Despite these challenges, the airport is well-located.
Positioning it to the south east of town, in a lesser developed area, has minimized noise pollution for Orlando residents proper. One recommendation for future operational procedures would...
These notifications will alert potential land developers of the occurrence of aircraft noise. Although these notices do not specifically reduce noise, they do decrease the quantity of incidents where property owners are complaining about noise.
Noise pollution is a common environmental concern for airports and MCO is no different. The airport has a three-pronged plan in
place to minimize noise that involves -- operational procedures, Federal mandates, and land use. The airport, in general, is doing a good job minimizing noise pollution; however, future recommendations include giving waiver of
claims and notice of aircraft activity forms to land owners and developers, to minimize noise complaints.
References
Aircraft noise exposure. (No date). Retrieved October 23, 2009, from http://www.orlandoairports.net/noise/Overview.htm.
Monitoring system. (No date). Retrieved October 23, 2009, from http://www.orlandoairports.net/noise/Monitoring%20System.htm.
Noise abatement implementation responsibilities. (No date). Retrieved October 23, 2009, from http://www.orlandoairports.net/noise/Noise%20Abatement%20Implementation.htm.
Noise abatement program summary. (No date). Retrieved October 23, 2009, from http://www.orlandoairports.net/noise/Noise%20Abatement%20Program.htm.
Traffic statistics. (2009). Retrieved October 23, 2009, from http://www.orlandoairports.net/reports.htm.
