2 Additions to Van Nuys Airport’s Anti-Noise Measure Unreasonable

The Van Nuys Airport is the busiest general aviation facility in the country, providing millions of dollars in revenue and jobs for Los Angeles and its residents. Yet a handful of people would like to see this airport cease and desist since they say the attendant noise is inconvenient to their lifestyle. A curious response, for if they succeed in shutting down the airport they will also eliminate those noisy and inconvenient emergency late-night mercy and organ donor flights as well as noisy and inconvenient city fire and police helicopter rescue operations and public safety activities for the rest of us who live and work in the San Fernando Valley.

Studies indicate that there have been continuing decreases in the noise contour and decibel levels around the airport. Additionally, an ordinance proposed by homeowners--and supported by airport tenants and the Valley Industry and Commerce Assn. as a compromise--went into effect Dec. 12, 1997, extending the overnight curfew by one hour, from 11 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Although this compromise may result in loss of jobs and city revenue of approximately $417,000 annually, it is not enough for the anti-airport dissidents. At their urging, a proposed noise ordinance has been expanded to include two additional parts impacting business and recreational owners of older Stage II jet aircraft. Included are a visitation limit on the aircraft for maintenance and a prohibition against hangaring of new Stage II aircraft at Van Nuys.

VICA strongly opposes these parts of the proposed ordinance. They are inordinately costly and possibly illegal. Historical legal documents exist that unequivocally allow for “any and all aircraft” at Van Nuys.

If these prohibitions pass, it will cost the community approximately $2 million per aircraft each year. Additionally, there would be a loss of 12 jobs per aircraft, averaging $45,600 per year. The potential impart of the non-addition and visitation rules is estimated to be a loss of 414 jobs and nearly $100 million in local revenues per year.

The city, homeowners and pilots have agreed to extend the curfew. Recent studies indicate that the airport’s “fly friendly” program is working; noise levels are down. Also, the airport is looking into a “hush house” for engine testing and “hush kits” for planes that qualify, believing that it is smarter to muffle noise at the source than attempt to insulate nearby housing or eliminate the airport altogether.

Eventually Stage II planes will be replaced with quieter engines. Let’s give this a chance to work and not put another Valley industry out of business for lack of patience.