Training Intended to Reduce Washington Aircraft Noise

Air traffic controllers will get additional training to direct flight paths in and out of Washington National Airport in an effort to reduce aircraft noise for Virginia neighboroods, reports the Washington Post. According to the story:

The study, conducted by association members with substantial aviation experience, found that noise from flights has increased an average of 3.6 decibels in eastern McLean and 2.4 decibels in Great Falls, raising noise levels in both locations to about 55 decibels. The FAA sets 65 decibels as the acceptable maximum for aircraft noise.

No decibel limits exist for amplified noncommerical speech anywhere the District of Columbia between 7 a.m. and 9 p.m. Levels frequently reach 105 decibels for more than four hours nearly every Satuday in one residential neighborhood.

Councilmembers Tommy Wells and Mary Cheh, residents, businesses, labor unions and the D.C. attorney general are crafting legislation to fix the disruptive and repetitive practice of loud noise.