CONTACT THE FAA NOISE OMBUDSMAN
Federal Aviation Administration's Aviation Noise Ombudsman
The Federal Aviation Reauthorization Act of 1996 required the FAA Administrator to appoint an Aviation Noise Ombudsman (see below). According to the Act the ombudsman shall "serve as a liaison with the public on issues regarding aircraft noise" and "be consulted when the Administrator proposes changes in aircraft routes so as to minimize any increases in aircraft noise over populated areas." The Aviation Noise Ombudsman is charged by the FAA with performing the following duties:
- In consultation with the Air Traffic Airspace Management Program, Environmental Programs Division, review proposed aircraft route changes over noise sensitive areas to assure required statutory, regulatory and policy processes have been followed and an appropriate level of community awareness and involvement has been achieved prior to implementation of a proposed change;
- Communicate with local officials and other interested parties regarding aviation noise issues, coordinating as appropriate with responsible FAA offices;
- Respond to routine inquiries, directing them to other FAA or local airport officials when feasible;
- Review aviation noise concerns raised by the public that have not been resolved at the local FAA level, and facilitate their resolution. Refer any concerns raised by the public that are outside FAA’s purview to the appropriate airport and airplane operators; and
- Periodically prepare and issue a public report of activities.
Federal Aviation Reauthorization Act of 1996 (Public Law 104-264)
SEC. 1210. AIRCRAFT NOISE OMBUDSMAN.
Section 106, as amended by section 230 of this Act, is further amended by adding at the end the following:
``(q) Aircraft Noise Ombudsman.--
``(1) Establishment.--There shall be in the Administration an Aircraft Noise Ombudsman.
``(2) General duties and responsibilities.--The Ombudsman shall--
``(A) be appointed by the Administrator;
``(B) serve as a liaison with the public on issues regarding aircraft noise; and
``(C) be consulted when the Administration proposes changes in aircraft routes so as to minimize any increases in aircraft noise over populated areas.
``(3) Number of full-time equivalent employees.--The appointment of an Ombudsman under this subsection shall not result in an increase in the number of full-time equivalent employees in the Administration.''.