VAN NUYS AIRPORT ADOPTS NEW NOISE RESTRICTION
Non-Addition Rule Effective June 10

Van Nuys Airport (VNY) officials are notifying pilots of a new noise restriction, the Non-Addition Rule, that took effect on Saturday, June 10, 2000. The Non-Addition Rule is an amendment to the existing Van Nuys Noise Abatement and Curfew Ordinance that was adopted by the Los Angeles City Council in 1981.

The new regulation restricts the addition of any new Stage 2 aircraft (with noise levels exceeding 77 dBA, as listed in FAA Advisory Circulars) at the present number subject to certain exceptions. The exceptions permit non-based Stage 2 aircraft to use the airport for maintenance and repair purposes; as new replacement aircraft, and for up to 30 calendar days per year

Selena B. Birk, Van Nuys Airport Manager, said that airport tenants and fixed based operators will be allowed to continue to operate and maintain sublease arrangements with the 54 existing based Stage 2 aircraft that are grandfathered to avoid adverse economic consequences.

Those aircraft that are not based at VNY but were parked, tied down or hangared at the airport for 90 days or more during the 1999 calendar year will be identified by Van Nuys Airport Operations staff, which is charged with enforcing the regulation. A full review of the status of these aircraft is being undertaken to determine if any qualify as based exempt aircraft.

Under the replacement provisions, existing based Stage 2 aircraft can be replaced until December 31, 2000 with replacement aircraft that do not exceed 85 dBA on takeoff. After 2005, only Stage 3 aircraft or Stage 2 with 77dBA or lower will be allowed as replacement aircraft. After January 1, 2011, replacement

Stage 2 aircraft will have to leave VNY permanently. The regulation does not apply to Stage 3 aircraft or to helicopters.

"We feel the Non-addition Rule is a good compromise because it addresses the impact of noise upon our airport communities, while balancing the economic concerns of our tenants," said Birk. "We anticipate that, over time, the number of based Stage 2 aircraft will diminish at the airport as older jets are replaced by quieter, new aircraft."

For a copy of the Non-Addition Rule, contact Van Nuys Airport Operations at (818) 909-3527.