Congressman Tom Suozzi (D-Long Island, Queens) and Senator Charles Schumer (D-NY) announced the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has revised air traffic procedures for the New York metropolitan area to reduce aircraft noise for communities. The new procedure will directly improve the quality of life for Suozzi’s constituents in Huntington Station, Huntington, East Norwich, Old Brookville, Roslyn, East Williston, East Hills and New Hyde Park.
Under the new procedure Suozzi and Schumer helped enact, all aircraft flying into John F. Kennedy Airport (JFK) must maintain the highest operational altitude as long as possible when conditions, traffic volume, and workload permit. In order to properly execute the new procedure, all aircraft landing at JFK runways 22 Left/Right must remain at or above 3,000 feet until they are within 15 miles of landing at JFK. The announcement of this provision is a direct result of the efforts made by both Suozzi and Schumer working with the FAA, community members, and local stake holders to safely implement procedures to reduce aircraft noise following thousands of complaints from New York residents.
“For years, aircraft noise has been crushing our neighborhoods across Nassau County. Many of the folks who have experienced some of the worst noise don’t even live particularly close to the airports,” said Congressman Tom Suozzi. “Today’s announcement brings a welcome respite to the people of Long Island who have been forced to endure unnecessary airplane noise disrupting their lives. Thank you to Senator Schumer, the FAA, and everyone else who helped make this possible.”
“Today’s actions by the FAA mark a huge sigh of relief for thousands of Long Islanders living underneath JFK’s flight path, said U.S. Senator Charles Schumer. “After delivering thousands of complaints for low flying and noisy planes overhead, the FAA has finally heeded our call and the cries of neighbors by agreeing to implement this new plan to ameliorate the headache-inducing low-flying planes. Congressman Suozzi and I will continue to monitor noise levels and assess this most recent plan’s progress alongside the community and other stakeholders.”
As Vice Chair of the Congressional Quiet Skies Caucus, Suozzi has repeatedly called on the FAA to take steps to reduce aircraft and helicopter noise across the region. Last year, Suozzi successfully pressed the FAA to take steps to reduce helicopter noise distributing residents in Whitestone, Bayside, and Northeast Queens. For noise caused by aircraft, Suozzi has repeatedly held the FAA’s “feet to the fire” through numerous phone calls, letters, and in-person meetings with the FAA Administrator. This announcement today is a direct result of Suozzi’s efforts.
