Locals Complain in Classic Airport Fashion

The 2022 runway extension and expansion project as Lake Elmo Airport has rankled a few neighbors, with nearly 4,300 noise complaints issued from 16 locations near the airport. Unfortunately, the local news has reported the story with much fanfare for the nearly 4300 complaints without mentioning that it comes from a handful of NIMBY airport haters.

As is always the case, those living adjacent to the airport hate hearing aircraft, and the new runway alignment brings fresh complaints as the larger 3,500-ft runway realigned the airport layout for safer and roomier operations. One resident called the noise "unbearable", describing it as "constant noise and buzzing". She said that residents can't even sleep or let their terrified pets outside. She reported 6 aircraft performing T&Gs at the airport, departing over her lane at "30-second to one-minute intervals".

The local Metropolitan Airports Commission has been trying to establish an improved noise abatement plan, which is taking comments through the end of December. The MAC recently brought everyone out to comment, and it carried the usual air of a standoff between flight schools, operators, and neighbors. Residents took issue with the insufficiently professional flight capabilities of student pilots, saying they land long too often and depart too low... without reference or an understanding of the physics of a takeoff and landing.

But, why let facts get in the way of a good argument?

MAC Rep, Jeff Lea, said that they are working on "ongoing pilot education and coordination at the airport to minimize disturbance to residents to the extent feasible. When pilots are not able to comply with the noise-abatement plan and their activity results in a complaint or question, the MAC will contact the aircraft owner, discuss their activity and share information about the plan.”

Local flight schools have been at the airport for more than 30 years, with the current flagship school, Lake Elmo Aero, taking up the mantle 6 years ago. Nathan Ruedy, flight training director over 20 CFIs, said that they make every attempt to comply with noise abatement.

“We let them know that there is a plan in place that they should be following,” Ruedy said. “We’re complying with the noise-abatement plan as much as we can within the confines of being safe. We cannot compromise safety.”

E-I-C Note: There's more to this story than has been currently detailed -- we're looking into it and some of the incredible claims made by those seeking to limit aviation access, operations, rights, and freedoms... more to follow.

FMI: www.twincities.com