Decision Based On Input From The Surrounding Communities

The FAA has issued a statement announcing that it is dropping the "Lazir-B" flight path put in place in 2015.

The changes were made as part of the agency's implementation of NextGen procedures for aircraft departing from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport just outside Washington, D.C. In the statement, the agency said "The FAA has decided to terminate the proposed changes to DCA departure procedures known as “LAZIR B,” based on feedback from communities around the airport.

"The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority recently added more members to the DCA Community Noise Working Group to provide broader representation from communities around the airport. The Working Group is developing a more comprehensive work plan to address community noise concerns. The FAA will continue to support the efforts of the Working Group."

But the cancellation will not change current noise levels for people living in the corridor, according to Ken Hartman, director of Montgomery County's Bethesda-Chevy Chase regional center. WTOP radio reports that Hartman said every plane currently follows the same flight path under the current NextGen approach procedure, and "if you live under that flight path, you’re getting the full impact.” Residents in several neighborhoods in Bethesda, MD and Arlington, VA have filed numerous complaints since the procedures were put in place.

(FAA Graphic shows existing (pink) and propose (blue) Lazir departure procedures)

FMI: FAA Community Report