CAA: GA News, "FAA will not ban noisiest jets from Jackson Hole"

["Stephen Irwin" <stepheni@xxxxxxxxx>]

Tuesday, August 13, 2002

FAA will not ban noisiest jets from Jackson Hole 


JACKSON, Wyo. (AP) - The Federal Aviation Administration has refused a
request to ban the noisiest private jets from Jackson Hole Airport.

The airport board proposed banning "Stage Two" private jets and allowing
only quieter, "Stage Three" aircraft. Such a restriction already applies
to commercial aircraft.

As part of its lease agreement with Grand Teton National Park, the
airport board is required to reduce noise wherever possible.

Board representatives met with the FAA in June to discuss the issue.
Board members pointed out that 10 other airports ban Stage Two planes
and that all planes now made in the United States meet the noise
standard.

Also, only 2.6 percent of operations at Jackson Hole airport involve the
noisier jets, board members said.

However, FAA officials do not believe a ban can be implemented without a
study. They also feel the burden for airplane owners is unreasonable
when compared to the benefits of a ban.

Also, FAA officials do not want to set "troublesome national
precedents," according to a letter from the airport board to Wyoming's
congressional delegation.

"Specifically, if the board implements what has been the most
significant technological advance in aviation noise technology since
1983 - Stage Three aircraft technology - the measure will almost
certainly be disapproved by the FAA and the board will risk the loss of
FAA grant funds," the letter said.

The board has asked the FAA to put its objections in writing and board
members say they may seek a new federal law if the FAA will not support
the restriction on its own.

Residents near the airport in Grand Teton National Park say aircraft
noise has increased dramatically in recent years. The FAA has no minimum
noise standard for airports inside national parks.


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