Airport Services

Airports and their sponsors require sufficient land mass to safely and efficiently provide aircraft operations. Throughout the lifespan of an airport, the requirement for more land will generally grow as operations increase. As runway extensions and additional runways are needed to accommodate this growth, the airport must rely on the acquisition and relocation of impacted communities and businesses.

The News About Noise

In addition to acquiring land, noise generated from airport operations is another consideration that must be addressed with the community surrounding the airport. Homeowners near airports frequently complain about the engine noise emitted from arriving and departing aircraft. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) acknowledges this issue by supplying funds that support numerous mitigation measures designed to reduce or eliminate the homeowner’s unpleasant experience with airport noise. To determine the most effective noise mitigation measures for impacted homeowners, a Part 150 Study is undertaken by the airport. Based on noise levels recorded by measuring devices placed around the airport and extending into the community, an imaginary set of noise contours are drawn around the airport to identify properties eligible for participation in a noise compatibility program. The Part 150 Study prescribes the approved mitigation measures and the airport then selects the priority for implementing each measure. 

Filling the Gap

Most program sponsors are not aware of the gap that exists between the FAA approval of their Part 150 Study noise mitigation measures and the first day of working with property owners. Although the Part 150 Study identifies the approved mitigation measures that should be used, it does not provide the specific procedures necessary for implementation of those measures.  How does a sponsor implement their approved Part 150 noise mitigation program? The gap is bridged by relying on THC to develop daily implementation procedures within federal guidelines as they apply to a particular program.

THC specializes in planning and implementing airport land acquisition and noise mitigation programs. We are particularly accomplished in the overall management of large-scale land acquisition/relocation and Part 150 noise mitigation programs for airports.

THC personnel have analyzed and designed over 25 noise mitigation programs. Our experience with numerous programs has enabled us to develop excellent planning and implementation skills. We understand that proper planning is essential to implementing a successful Part 150 program. Our daily implementation of programs has provided us with the expertise to develop specific guidelines necessary for successful programs.