summary reagan national airport community …...john mitchell requested a statement change as...

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Summary Reagan National Airport Community Working Group

Regular Meeting (18) – November 30, 2017 Date: November 30, 2017 Time: 6:00 P.M. – 8:00 P.M. Location: Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA) Terminal A – Historic Lobby Conference Center Agenda: October 26, 2017 Summary, Working Group Discussion Working Group Members Present:

Dick DeiTos Metropolitan Washington Airlines Committee Marcio Duffles District of Columbia - Ward 3 Ken Hartman Montgomery County Paul Janes Montgomery County - Inside Beltway John Mitchell Prince George’s County - Accokeek Ron Montague Arlington County Tracy Montross American Airlines Rick Murphy District of Columbia - Ward 2 Jim Phelps Fairfax County - Dranesville Susan Shipp Montgomery County - Outside Beltway Steve Thayer City of Alexandria Edward Williams Prince George’s County - Ft. Washington

Alternates:

Don Crockett District of Columbia - Ward 2 Carol Hawn Fairfax County At-Large William Liebman Montgomery County Janelle Wright Montgomery County - Outside Beltway

Agenda Item 1 – Welcome and Updates: Margaret McKeough, MWAA Chief Operating Officer:

Welcomed Working Group and reported MWAA agenda assembled in consultation with North and South Sub-Committee Chairs, Ken Hartman and Mike Rioux respectively.

FAA was unable to participate in tonight’s meeting. MWAA reached out directly to FAA to request someone attend the meeting.

1A) Approval of October 26, 2017 Meeting Summary:

o Margaret McKeough: MWAA received two meeting summary edit requests for the Working Group’s

consideration.

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o Agenda Item 2A – WebTrak Accuracy/B&K App and Complaint Portal Update – Additional discussion, Page 4.

William Liebman requested his dialog with Simon Heath (Bruel & Kjaer EMS) be included as follows: “William Liebman asked Mr. Heath whether the collection and presentation of noise data is merely an academic exercise if the FAA, MWAA and the airlines ignore these data and do not use them in furtherance of developing noise-abatement strategies. Mr. Heath replied, “Yes”.”

Discussion:

William Liebman:

Cited he accurately captured Simon Heath’s “Yes” response and requested the response be accurately included in the meeting summary.

Stated that he has previously requested that MWAA provide verbatim transcripts of Working Group meetings. Opposes meeting summaries because he feels it is unfair to place the burden on the Working Group members to determine the accuracy of a summary prepared by MWAA given that the document becomes the record of proceedings.

MWAA would provide verbatim transcripts if it cared about what occurred during the meetings.

Margaret McKeough:

Suggested Working Group accept the proposed edits and provide Simon Heath the opportunity to review/respond to the edits since he has been quoted.

o Agenda Item 3B – Update on 7100.41 Process, Page 5: John Mitchell requested a statement change as follows: Original: FAA accepted Recommendation #8 Change: FAA accepted Recommendation #8 in its entirety.

Discussion: Margaret McKeough:

Reminded Working Group that Donna Creasap (FAA) was specifically asked to confirm whether the FAA would look at the entire Recommendation #8 including departures and arrivals.

At the October 26, 2017 meeting, Donna Creasap re-iterated FAA would accept the entire Recommendation #8 without exceptions.

Suggested Working Group accept the proposed edits and provide Donna Creasap the opportunity to review/respond to the edits since she has been quoted.

John Mitchell:

Stated the edit was submitted as part of her written statement provided to the Working Group, not a quote.

Ken Hartman:

Montgomery County takes the matter of meeting summary accuracy very seriously and minutes need to be as accurate as possible. If a verbatim transcript is needed then MWAA should provide a verbatim transcript.

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Individuals need to be held accountable for their statements and statements need to accurately reflect what was said during the meeting, i.e. – not modified, softened, rescinded and subject to review/revision at a later date.

If necessary, an individual can file a clarification to amend their statement. Janelle Wright:

Meeting summaries read like detailed agendas that do not reflect community member comments, questions or concerns. Importance of summary content is left to the discretion of MWAA note takers.

Margaret McKeough:

Working Group is not a public body. MWAA has committed to providing summary notes which are not intended to be verbatim transcripts.

Procedure should allow quoted individuals the opportunity to review proposed edits related to their comments. MWAA has not had the opportunity to provide the proposed edits to Simon Heath (B&K) or Donna Creasap (FAA), consequently, they have not had an opportunity to comment on the proposed edits.

MWAA will forward the proposed October 26, 2017 meeting summary edits to Simon Heath (B&K) and Donna Creasap (FAA) for their respective review; if necessary, MWAA will update the meeting summary with an addendum of their responses.

Carol Hawn:

Document is a detailed summary, not minutes. Summary satisfactorily captures all motions, attendees and Working Group outcomes.

o October 26, 2017 Meeting Summary unanimously Approved with noted edits and subject to

future amendments by Simon Heath (Bruel & Kjaer EMS) and Donna Creasap (FAA).

Agenda Item 2 – General Working Group Discussion: 2A) North of Airport Sub-Committee Ken Hartman / Sub-Committee Chair

o North of Airport Sub-Committee met on November 29, 2017 by tel-con to discuss:

DC Ward 6 Proposal regarding flights along Anacostia River flight corridor

Recommendation 9

i. D.C. Ward 6 Proposal o Ken Hartman:

Sub-Committee recommendation to the full Working Group is to fold the DC Ward 6 proposal into Recommendation #9 which asked the FAA to re-create the pre-2015 flight paths. Within that context, Anacostia River departures should be addressed in Recommendation #9.

o Discussion: o Margaret McKeough:

Asked if it was the Working Group’s expectation that MWAA write to FAA stating that Recommendation #9’s original wording included Anacostia River departures.

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Concerned the FAA may not recognize that Recommendation #9 wording specifically includes DC Ward 6 Anacostia request.

o Ken Hartman: DC Ward 6 proposal requested that a specific Runway 1 departure procedure be

considered separately. Recommendation #9 encompasses all arrivals and departures north of the Reagan

National. Confirmed that no additional MWAA communication is needed to the FAA.

o Dick DeiTos: Recalled the DC Ward 6 proposal is to stop Anacostia River procedures. Against any proposal that restricts procedures, but open to an FAA analysis that

includes Anacostia arrival and departure procedures. o Ken Hartman:

DC Ward 6 asked FAA to codify the existing practice not to grant Runway 1 departures, for aircraft over a certain size, up the Anacostia River unless it’s an emergency.

Since Recommendation #9 addresses all procedures north of the airport, Sub-Committee recommended the FAA conduct an evaluation of all arrivals and departures north of the airport to compile baseline data needed to identify procedure changes with a goal to re-create pre-2015 procedures with current technologies.

o Steve Thayer: Expressed concern the FAA would not have enough clarification to know to include

Anacostia procedures. o Margaret McKeough:

Clarified that the Sub-Committee reviewed the DC Ward 6 proposal and felt Recommendation #9 was written broadly enough to incorporate a review of Anacostia procedures.

Stated the Sub-Committee was requesting a full Working Group endorsement of their recommendation.

o Ken Hartman: Reiterated that the Working Group received a recommendation from a member and

that recommendation went through the committee evaluation process; Sub-Committee recommended it be incorporated into Recommendation #9.

Motion: Full Working Group is in agreement with the North of the Airport Sub-Committee’s recommendation to incorporate the DC Ward 6 proposal regarding Anacostia River departure procedures as part of Recommendation #9.

Working Group Voting Member Results: o Yay (13): Dick DeiTos, Marcio Duffles, Ken Hartman, Paul Janes, John Mitchell,

Ron Montague, Tracy Montross, Rick Murphy, Jim Phelps, Susan Shipp, Steve Thayer, Edward Williams Alternate – Carol Hawn

o Nay (0): None o Abstain (0): None

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ii. Recommendation #9 o Ken Hartman:

Sub-Committee also had a lengthy discussion about Recommendation #9 including:

FAA engaging in discussions with the North of the Airport Sub-Committee.

7100.41 process schedule.

Environmental assessment process for Recommendation #8 that will be carried forward.

Sub-Committee recommended the full Working Group endorse a formal request to the FAA to begin a review of Recommendation #9 as soon as procedural work for Recommendation #8 is completed in the first quarter of 2018.

FAA’s schedule indicates an 18 month process with a procedure publication date of June 2019.

Motion: Recommendation #10 - Reagan National Airport Community Working Group recommends that FAA begin review of Noise Working Group Recommendation #9, as soon as procedure work on Recommendation #8 is completed, in the first quarter of 2018.




o Ken Hartman:

Montgomery County requests FAA technical experts attend Sub-Committee meetings to discuss viable flight procedure options.

o Susan Shipp: FAA tour of the Potomac Consolidated TRACON was beneficial, informative and

helpful. Requested tour of DCA Air Traffic Control Tower.

o Margaret McKeough: DCA Tower has very limited space. MWAA will contact FAA to request a Working Group tour of the DCA Tower and

facility. o Tracy Montross:

Invited Working Group to tour American Airlines’ renovated hub control tower for operations controlled on the ramp before being handed off to FAA.

It would provide an operational perspective from beginning to end. 2B) South of Airport Sub-Committee

i. North Flow Arrivals - Presentation John Mitchell / Sub-Committee member

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o John Mitchell: South of Airport Sub-Committee met by tel-con to discuss concerns over arrivals and

departures, specifically, that FAA is not addressing arrivals in the current 7100.41 process.

November 8, 2017, Sub-Committee learned FAA was only evaluating South Flow departures even though 65% of operations are North Flow arrivals.

November 27, 2017, Sub-Committee received an FAA memo, dated November 16, 2017, indicating operational changes were not necessary.

Flight patterns appear to be similar between 2011 and 2017, consequently, an increase in complaints may be attributed to changes in frequency and altitudes.

FAA considered river departure points for arrivals to be unacceptable given the number of arrivals that need to “trombone” into arrival sequence.

Although FAA is not currently addressing North Flow arrivals, FAA did indicate they would prefer to review a more detailed proposal from the committee.

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Given limitations to maximize time over the Potomac River, Sub-Committee suggested evaluating altitudes as a primary mitigating factor including adding a waypoint to the south at 6,000 ft. resulting with aircraft crossing Piscataway Creek at 2,500 ft.

Zip code breakdown of noise complaints south of the Woodrow Wilson Bridge indicate that communities closer to the bridge are more impacted by South Flow departures while communities farther south are more impacted by North Flow arrivals.

Negative impact on the ground near Accokeek may be associated with changes to fleet mix (larger aircraft) and arrival procedure, i.e. – step-down arrival procedure.

o Discussion: o Steve Thayer:

Clarified that north of the bridge in the City of Alexandria, VA, more complaints are associated with South Flow departures.

o Dick DeiTos: Averaged altitudes for November 22, 2011 and November 22, 2017 indicate altitudes

are higher now than 6 years ago. o John Mitchell:

Sub-Committee received FAA Capital Meeting report, dated November 16, 2017 that analyzed air traffic over waypoint KATRN. Given the majority of aircraft were above 1,700 ft., FAA concluded there was no need to recommend operational changes at this time.

Working Group was initially led to believe North Flow arrivals would be included in the 7100.41 process, consequently, Sub-Committee felt there was a disconnect between the FAA’s operational data analysis versus FAA’s recommended arrival altitudes.

Sub-Committee would like full Working Group to endorse Proposed Recommendation #8 Revised with minimum altitudes:

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o Ron Montague: IFR approach plates dictate altitudes. Working Group is attempting to tell FAA Air

Traffic and pilots how to fly. Motion: Recommendation #11 – Reagan National Airport Community Working Group recommends that:

1. FAA be advised that it is important to the community south of the airport that North Flow arrivals are addressed.

2. FAA provide justification of their November 16, 2017 response (Attachment #1), including an altitude analysis of North Flow arrivals, at the January 20181 Noise Working Group meeting.

3. FAA consider raising the minimum altitudes for North Flow arrivals; one suggestion for doing so is attached (Attachment #2). Attachment #1: DCA North Flow Arrivals: FAA Response dated November 16, 2017

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Attachment #2: DCA North Flow Arrivals: Working Group’s Suggested Altitude Minimums




Agenda Item 3 – Other Business/Next Meeting Agenda: 3A) Nighttime Noise Rule

o Overview David Mould / MWAA Communications VP:

DCA Nighttime Noise Rule is a restriction imposed by FAA in 1981 prior to the formation of MWAA.

It identifies compliant and non-compliant aircraft operating between 10:00 pm and 7 am based on aircraft type, model, weight and engine type.

Non-compliant aircraft are subject to an MWAA civil penalty up to $5,000 per violation. Most violations are associated with aircraft weight.

Nighttime Noise Rule is not a curfew and has never been a curfew. It was incorrectly interpreted as a curfew when it was implemented due to the low passenger demand for early morning and late evening flights.

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Nighttime Noise Rule is based on aircraft noise certification data compiled by airframe manufacturers during strict certification test conditions, as defined in Federal Aviation Regulation Part 36 - Noise Standards: Aircraft Type and Airworthiness Certification. Certification data is published by FAA in Advisory Circular 36-3H. See Annual Aircraft Noise Report, Pages 16-17.

Federal rule prohibits aircraft noise measurements obtained outside the FAA’s noise certification process to be used to enforce the rule, specifically, noise monitor readings. It also does not restrict aircraft noise generated during flight.

Airport Noise and Capacity Act of 1990 limits airports from imposing new operational restrictions based on noise, consequently, the DCA Nighttime Noise Rule is grandfathered.

o Nighttime Noise Violations – Presentation: Gary Davis / MWAA DCA Airport Operations Manager:

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Airlines provide daily aircraft weights to DCA Operations. Aircraft weights are used to determine landing fees and Nighttime Noise Rule compliance. Almost all aircraft operating at DCA are compliant with the Nighttime Noise Rule.

MWAA works with airlines to reduce their use of non-compliant aircraft, e. g. – Delta discontinued their use of the MD-88 which was non-compliant for departures during the nighttime hours.

Civil penalty money goes into MWAA’s general budget. Annual operations are ~288,000; Total 2017 Nighttime Noise Rule violations (to-

date) are 19 (AAL 11, DAL 3, UAL 5). o Discussion: o John Mitchell:

Are there any rule changes being reconsidered by FAA? o Margaret McKeough:

FAA’s Noise Office (Becky Cointin) has had a study underway for ~2 years to evaluate whether 65 LDN and other metrics should be changed.

o Carol Hawn: Nighttime Noise Rule is grandfathered. An attempt to make it better may result in

losing it. 3B) Noise Studies

o Margaret McKeough: Loudoun County approached MWAA to request an IAD noise study as part of their

land use planning for the metro extension. MWAA’s 2018 budget was funded to conduct an IAD noise study, as well as a DCA

study if approved. Study will only update 65 LDN contour (not Part 150); process would take 12-14

months with public participation. Does the Working Group have an interest in updating the DCA noise contours?

o Susan Shipp: How is the study area of interest defined? Is there a current report with the most recent contours?

o Mike Jeck / MWAA Noise Office Manager: Process defines the study area; it is 100% modeled data. Current contours are on MWAA’s website.

o John Mitchell: Working Group requests MWAA provide a Noise Compatibility Study Part 150 “101”

study guide. o Dick DeiTos:

65 LDN contour will be smaller and not reflect what people are experiencing on the ground.

o Ken Hartman: Working Group recommended a study that included 50 LDN; it may not make sense

to do an update if it only includes 65 LDN.

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3C) Next Meeting: o Meeting Schedule:

Working Group Approved to cancel December 2017 meeting. Next Meeting: January 25, 2018

o Working Group Member Update: William Liebman resigned as Montgomery County Alternate. A new Montgomery

County Alternate will be appointed in 2018.

Action Items – Prior to Next Meeting or Future Meeting:

MWAA:

MWAA will forward the proposed October 26, 2017 meeting summary edits to Simon Heath (B&K) and Donna Creasap (FAA) for their respective review; if necessary, MWAA will update the meeting summary with an addendum of their responses.

MWAA will contact FAA to request a Working Group tour of the DCA Tower and facility.

Working Group requests MWAA provide a Noise Compatibility Study Part 150 “101” study guide. FAA:

Montgomery County requests FAA technical experts attend Sub-Committee meetings to discuss viable flight procedure options.

Working Group:

Motion: Full Working Group is in agreement with the North of the Airport Sub-Committee’s recommendation to incorporate the DC Ward 6 proposal regarding Anacostia River departure procedures as part of Recommendation #9.

Reagan National Airport

Community Working Group

Recommendation # 10

(Approved November 30, 2017)

The Reagan National Airport Community Working Group recommends that: FAA begin review of Noise Working Group Recommendation #9, as soon as procedure work on Recommendation #8 is completed, in the first quarter of 2018.

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Reagan National Airport

Community Working Group

Recommendation # 11

(Approved November 30, 2017)

The Reagan National Airport Community Working Group recommends that:

1. FAA be advised that it is important to the community south of the airport that North Flow arrivals are addressed.

2. FAA provide justification of their November 16, 2017 response (Attachment #1), including an altitude analysis of North Flow arrivals, at the January 2018 Noise Working Group meeting.

3. FAA consider raising the minimum altitudes for North Flow arrivals; One suggestion for doing so is attached (Attachment #2).

Attachment #1: DCA North Flow Arrivals: FAA Response dated November 16, 2017

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Attachment #2: DCA North Flow Arrivals: Working Group’s Suggested Altitude Minimums

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