Research Pays Off: Better Communication to Mitigate Complaints About Aircraft Noise: Initiatives at San Diego International Airport

Airports across the country are experiencing increases in complaints about aircraft noise from residents outside the federally defined, impacted area, determined by a noise contour of 65 DNL (day–night average noise level). Research conducted under TRB's Airport Cooperative Research Program (ACRP) has identified best practices for airports in communicating with residents affected by aircraft noise.

The practices identified underscore the importance of building relationships with the public; the research presents the outcomes of effective relationships with the surrounding community. In addition, an ACRP synthesis of airport practice provides airport operators, stakeholders, and policy makers with information about actions that airports take to address aircraft noise outside the 65-DNL contour.

The communication efforts and the application of other research findings at San Diego International Airport have contributed to better public understanding of the benefits of airport operations for the community and of the efforts to deal with aircraft noise issues.  Airport operations provide opportunities for economic growth and benefits to the neighborhood that are difficult to quantify in dollar amounts—nevertheless, the opportunities greatly affect community prosperity and enhance community–airport cooperation.