Some east Mesa residents say they’re frustrated by the noise coming from training flights at Falcon Field Airport. There are also health concerns, too.
Residents blame numerous flight schools operating out of the airport. In a petition, they said “the relentless stream of low-flying training aircraft” affects quality of life and property values. Residents are also worried that the fuel used by these flights is releasing lead into the air.
Over 424,000 flights have been reported in the latest airport data.
In a statement to KJZZ, the city of Mesa says Falcon Field must remain open 24/7, and that it cannot have specific restrictions like mandatory quiet hours — nor can they discriminate against any type of airport user, including flight training schools. The city said it will continue to hold community meetings to discuss resident concerns.
The concerns related to noise come as the city considers a new landing fee proposal in February.
Full statement from city of Mesa
"The FAA maintains absolute pre-emptive jurisdiction over airspace management, take-off and landing procedures, and permitted aircraft noise levels. A document with more detailed information about federal authority over local airspace is included for your reference. As a federally obligated public airport, Falcon Field must remain open 24/7 and cannot impose mandatory quiet hours, minimum altitudes, take-off or landing procedures, aircraft spacing requirements or changes to traffic patterns. Additionally, the City cannot impose access restrictions that discriminate against any type of airport user such as flight training schools.
Recognizing the disruptive impact aircraft noise can have on certain neighborhoods, Mesa works extensively with community members, airport tenants, federal partners and other stakeholders to balance the needs of residents and those of airport users. The Fly Friendly program provides detailed noise mitigation recommendations, which the City continually promotes among airport users. Staff regularly communicate with residents that report disruptive airport use and share complaint information among airport tenants to discourage impact on noise-sensitive communities. We have also held several community meetings on the topic and plan to conduct additional sessions in the future."
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The landing fee program, which the city council says is to fund the airport, has been the subject of scrutiny since it was first approved in March. Two flight schools have sued alleging the fees are illegal, and the FAA is investigating the program.
