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| | | It is now nearly quiet in Foster City, thanks, in part, to the San Francisco Airport Noise Abatement Programs now in place. However, we must always be aware that when serious infractions occur our complaints will be heeded and corrected.
The San Francisco Airport Authority installed 12 noise monitors in 1975 and flights are now currently monitored by 28 monitors. In addition, they currently have 4 portable units that can be placed in areas of opportunity.
Foster City can obtain the temporary use a portable monitoring device for those “problem” areas. Depending on availability, we may have a recording device for 10-14 days each quarter. The details for their use would have to be agreed upon by the City of Foster City and the Noise Abatement Office located at the San Francisco Airport.
SFO implemented a Stage 2 aircraft phase-out program (these are older noisier aircraft that have not been modified) and achieved a 93% Stage 3 (newer and quieter) air operations in 1998. As of 2000, 100% of SFO commercial operations are Stage 3. This, by the way, has a direct effect on lessening the noise impact in Foster City.
A new program was initiated called the Simultaneous Offset Instrument Approach/Precision Runway Monitor or the “SOIA” program. This procedure allows for Runways 28 L/R to be used simultaneously for landings when the conditions allow a 2,100 feet ceiling and four miles visibility.
This method allows for greater over-the-water landings (low noise levels for Foster City) and an increase of aircraft landings from 30 per hour to 42. This prevents a backup of aircraft that may require night-time landings when the day time is preferable.
The “SOIA” method also utilizes a 3% glide slope starting at about 5,000 feet. This allows the aircraft to generate less noise instead of using the step approach, which is noisier. The method uses a Precision Radar Monitor, which is an updated radar and monitor controller, to ensure safe separation and control. How does this help Foster City?
This increases capacity by reducing weather-related late night arrivals and departures and lowers the noise signature on the approach due to a continuous descent approach over a stepped down approach.
Foster City is fortunate because the SFO Aircraft Noise Abatement Office has recently provided a Fly Quiet score card for the aircraft arrivals which directly affect Foster City. The Fly Quiet Report for the Third Quarter 2006 shows those aircraft which are rated excellent to poor (on a number basis).
This was a direct result of our request for concentrated monitoring over Foster City. In addition to this report, the San Francisco Abatement Office has prepared a special report called the Foster City Shortcut Report which details those aircraft which cross over Foster City for landings on 28L or 28R. Additional information can be found on the SFO Noise Abatement web site.
The monthly Airport Director’s Report reports on nighttime engine run-ups, noise exceedances, and monthly/yearly runway use. This report also contains complaints from various cities, including Foster City, and plots them graphically on a map for reference. A review of these reports will give you a better overall understanding on the reporting of noise issues.
Under the SFO Noise Abatement web site we are able to view aircraft takeoffs and landings with a 10 minute delay for SFO from our personal computers. For security purposes you may not view the Carrier, Flight Number or Type of Jet Equipment for 24 hours.
The Fly Quiet Web Site (www.flyquietsfo.com) is extremely interesting and informative. This is the site where you can view in real time what is occurring at SFO as well as various informational reports which are available. This site also contains contact information for complaints and answers for frequently asked questions.
Additional Resources
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Additional Resources for Departures and Arrivals at SFO can be obtained at: http://flightaware.com/resources/airport/KSFO
This is not connected with the Noise Abatement Office, but it is of interest for aircraft operations fans.
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