Agency Will Not Consider Further Modifications To The Flight Paths

The FAA has told city leaders from Newport Beach, CA, that the departure corridors for John Wayne Airport (KSNA) are set, and it will not be considering any further adjustments.

The Costa Mesa Daily Pilot reports that some residents, including a new group calling its self the Newport Beach Coalition of Community Associations, had asked the FAA to change some flight paths in an effort to reduce noise over their neighborhoods. But the FAA said it had already adjusted its departure corridors twice based on requests by residents, and while it would entertain suggestions for additional changes, for now, the flight corridors would remain as established.

FAA spokesman Ian Gregor told the paper that current technology does not make it possible for pilots to "zig-zag" over Upper Newport Bay, which might have some effect on noise particularly as it relates to homes along the bluffs for which the area is famous.

The coalition of community associations has said it will meet to "explore other avenues' for affecting change. Residents had also enlisted the help of Republican Congressman John Campbell of Irvine, but it is unclear what, if any, impact the Congressman's intervention carried.

The city continues to negotiate with the FAA on the issue of passenger limits at KSNA, which has reportedly led to city leaders treading lightly around the noise issue.

FMI: www.faa.gov, www.newportbeachca.gov