CPA to inform FAA of complaints on jet noise in residential areas

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The Commonwealth Ports Authority will pass on to the Federal Aviation Administration public complaints over the jet noise caused by airlines flying over residential areas on their way to Japan or Korea, says CPA board member Barrie Toves.

Toves chairs CPA’s airport facilities committee.

During the public comment period of their meeting last week, CPA heard from Associate Judge Kenneth L. Govendo about jet noise in residential areas in the Laolao, Papago, and San Vicente areas.

Govendo said when a Delta Air Lines plane turns left over Papago, as does Asiana Airlines, the “noise racket is unbelievable.”

Govendo asked why it was not possible to tell airlines to stay on the east side of Saipan until they cross the northern tip of the island before they make their left turn to Japan or Korea.

“Why turn over land? It is noisy and dangerous,” he said.

He said staying over water until they cross the northern part of Saipan and then making their left turn “would save everyone a lot of aggravation.”

Board director Roman Tudela said the board would look into the matter.

He said it used to be that an aircraft has to fly three miles out before making a left turn, but recently he has noticed on many occasions that they take an almost immediate left.

The CPA board tasked their airport facilities committee to contact the FAA to find out what the correct procedure on flight paths is.

“We are going to pass on the complaint to the FAA and find out what we can do to instruct these airlines to follow a certain flight path to avoid flying over residential areas “because those big jets are creating a lot of disturbances and people are just not comfortable with the noise,” Toves told reporters after board discussion.

Dennis B. Chan | Reporter
Dennis Chan covers education, environment, utilities, and air and seaport issues in the CNMI. He graduated with a degree in English Literature from the University of Guam. Contact him at dennis_chan@saipantribune.com.

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