Arizona Sens. Mark Kelly and Ruben Gallego on Aug. 5 asked the FAA to revise its Phoenix Area Modernization Project before implementing new flight procedures. The proposal covers Phoenix Sky Harbor International and several surrounding airports, including changes that would affect general aviation, turboprop and small commuter aircraft.
“While we share the goals of ensuring a safe and efficient airspace in the Phoenix area, we are concerned that the FAA’s proposed flight procedure changes will have significant adverse effects for neighborhoods, communities, and airports across the Phoenix area,” the senators wrote in a letter to FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford.
They requested another draft environmental assessment that responds to comments submitted during the recently closed public review period.
GA Departure Procedures
The proposal includes new standard instrument departures at Sky Harbor for aircraft categorized as Group B. The senators said those procedures would not require aircraft to follow established noise-abatement gates. They asked the FAA to retain the gates or introduce dispersed and rotational routing. The letter also requests changes to a proposed northbound departure from Mesa Gateway Airport and greater route dispersion for Scottsdale Airport traffic.
“Ensuring the safety, efficacy, and reliability of the national airspace system is critical,” the senators wrote. “However, such efforts must account for the impacts that flight routing decisions have on affected communities, recognize and respect prior arrangements reached between the FAA and affected communities regarding noise impacts, and meaningfully incorporate community feedback.”
Their letter cites FAA data estimating reportable noise increases for 86,384 people. Of that group, 65,475 could experience increases of at least 5 decibels.
Implementation Delayed Until 2027
The FAA says the proposed Performance-Based Navigation procedures are intended to improve safety and air traffic efficiency. The agency moved the project’s target implementation date to June 10, 2027, following feedback from residents and local agencies.
Kelly and Gallego also requested continued protection for Sky Harbor’s 43rd Avenue and 4DME noise-abatement gates and a meeting with FAA leadership before the plan is finalized.
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