Photo credit: Pixabay
by Arline L. Bronzaft, Ph.D., Board of Directors, GrowNYC, Co-founder, The Quiet Coalition, and Honorary Chair, Quiet American Skies
We have directed our readers to a large number of studies that link aircraft noise to adverse health impacts. These studies have included the testimonies of individuals who live with aircraft noise daily, and who have expressed how upsetting and disturbing the noises are. We have also stressed that the government — both local and federal — and the Federal Aviation Administration are not doing enough to abate hazardous aircraft noise.
Now I’ll reference an Arizona community whose residents are being overwhelmed by low-flying planes from a nearby flight school. I urge you to listen to this short video that covers the matter. You can hear the residents’ anguished voices, including those of two pilots. You will also hear from the City of Goodyear’s spokesperson. According to the spokesperson, the airport complied with FAA regulations and airplanes maintained safe altitudes near the residences.
One of the pilots states that safety is also an issue as the aircraft are flying dangerously, and needlessly, close to homes. The community’s pleas for lessening the aircraft noise have not yet been addressed appropriately. Residents say that they are not against operations at the airport, but something must be done to lessen the overhead noises.
These residents are clearly expressing that overhead aircraft noise is impeding their health and welfare. But the formal response is that the airport is in compliance with FAA regulations. No surprise here!
