Mr. Michael P. Huerta
Administrator
Federal Aviation Administration
800 Independence Avenue, S.W.
Washington, DC 20591
Dear Mr. Huerta:
This office has received a number of complaints from Florida citizens relating to noise pollution from aircraft operations at the Tampa International Airport. It is our understanding that you have received these complaints and that the FAA has been on notice of the controversy surrounding the existing Noise Abatement Program that governs the operation of noise pollution to the detriment of the surrounding neighborhoods.
The purpose of this letter is to call this issue to your attention as well as the similar concerns that have occurred at other Florida airports, so that you may give these concerns the attention they deserve.
We are aware that the FAA has for years now found itself facing considerable challenges in implementing the satellite-based Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen). The objectives for NextGen have been identified as improvements to overall safety of the flying public and an increase in the efficiency of the National Airspace System. We understand that the primary feature of the NextGen program is a series of GPS-based waypoints, which result in the same or similar flightpaths for a large majority of all airport traffic. As a result, many localities have experienced increases in air traffic over previously less disturbed areas and noise has been identified as a primary area of concern in the implementation of NextGen.
While community opposition to these developments has presented a major challenge to implementation of NextGen, we know the FAA has made efforts nationally to resolve this opposition.
Whether it’s issues similar to those raised in the litigation with the City of Phoenix or those now raised by the residents of Tampa, we trust the FAA understands the seriousness of these concerns. Changing the rules of the game impacts the overall quality of life of many Floridians from diminishing their property values to removing their quiet enjoyment.
We ask that you provide the much needed assistance to the residents surrounding Tampa International and all other Florida Airports. Please keep my office informed as to your progress on their behalf. Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact my General Counsel, Kent Perez, at 850-245-0140.
Sincerely,
Pam Bondi
Attorney General
PB/tgh
cc: Barbara Couture
423 Royal Poinciana Drive
Tampa, FL 33609
Hillsborough County Aviation Authority
P. O. Box 22287
Tampa, FL 33622
The Honorable Bill Nelson
716 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
The Honorable Marco Rubio
284 Russell Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510