Questions and Answers About Sound Initiative

Why is a coalition being formed to address the issue of Stage 1 and 2 aircraft?

Many airports across the country face the same challenge—an unacceptably high percentage of noise complaints generated by a small number of aircraft in the general aviation fleet. It's not just a local issue. It touches airports, and their neighbors, across the country. As such, it should be an issue that's of interest to congressional representatives throughout the U.S. The best way to encourage congressional action is to show broad-based interest in and support for an issue.

Who are the members of Sound Initiative?

Sound Initiative was conceived of and initiated by airports, some of them the busiest in the nation and located in densely populated areas. As an industry driven grassroots initiative, several airports agreed to take the lead in their own communities—to serve as the foundation of the project, enlisting the support of their own governing body.

If you're willing: to work with your local government that must answer to its constituents when they complain about aircraft noise; to enlist the support of state government that, through transportation departments and divisions, plays a role in the aviation system; gain the interest of organizations near airports that were formed because of the noise issue, Sound Initiative wants you!

What does your commitment to Sound Initiative mean?

At this point, it means allowing us to include your organization's name as a member of the coalition. It means allowing us to help you with the initial outreach to opinion leaders and elected officials who in turn can voice their support for our goal to Members of Congress. It means getting your own congressional representative up-to-speed on the issue, eventually leading to their co-sponsorship of a measure to phase out Stage 1 and 2 aircraft.

Who else will be involved with this issue?

The airport industry is not alone on this issue. Good government associations, including the League of Cities, have pressed for the phasing out of Stage 1 and 2 aircraft. We'll reach out to national aviation related associations to discuss this.We have a stake in making certain that the economic benefits of facilities like yours are not jeopardized.

Have there been other efforts to phase out these aircraft?

Yes. But to the best of our knowledge other congressional actions considered in recent years have either focused on specific regions of the country or have unfairly called for immediate bans.

How many Stage 1 and 2 aircraft are there in the U.S. ?

More than there should be. We believe the number to be less than 1,400 aircraft, about 8 percent of the business aviation fleet. Although many of these are older aircraft and will ultimately be replaced based on things like fuel economy of operational efficiency, there is no government directive or guidance that would phase the aircraft out.

Where can I get more information about Sound Initiative?