Update: February 9, 2019

More than 100 residents attended the BOAC meeting in Van Nuys on February 7, 2019 to support our efforts for quiet skies.

BOAC MEETING (Feb. 7) RECAP

The turnout at the BOAC Meeting on Thursday, Feb. 7th in Van Nuys was fantastic. We filled the room with more than 100 residents. A shout out to all who were able to attend in the middle of a work day and lend support. Your presence mattered! Thanks to the residents and the staff of Councilmen Koretz and Ryu who spoke, as well as Congressman Brad Sherman’s representative who was also in attendance.

The BOAC and the City heard our message loud and clear! We now realize this was a special meeting to focus on the VNY flight path issues because of resident testimonials and our presentation, letter, and documents submitted at the first BOAC meeting on January 17. Putting pressure in the right places is getting results.

We presented new factual documentation including testimonials and Airnoise summaries from multiple residents that show frequency of VNY, BUR and overflight aircraft from other airports; Webtrak screenshots that show what we call “vertical stacking” of planes at different altitudes and airports over residences; and screenshots showing short distances between low altitude planes and homes at higher elevations.

We provided a table comparing the impact that began in May 2018 when the FAA attempted to correct their NextGen implementation mistake, by creating a new waypoint, PPRRY. It contrasted how impactful and dangerous the new waypoint is in comparison to the historic 2.2 DME waypoint, which historically generated few complaints since a good portion of turns were being made over the unpopulated Sepulveda Basin.

Our presentation spelled out the noise, health, and cumulative impacts from frequency and “vertical stacking” of air traffic that is driving aircraft, including helicopters, lower than ever before. We also described fire risks created by low planes flying in mountainous terrain that is designated as a Dangerous Fire Hazard Severity Zone (FHSZ) by the state, and noted that a plane crash causing wildfire is only a matter of time.

We closed by asking the BOAC to work with the FAA to move the new waypoint 3/4 mile back to where it was for decades.

All of these documents are now in the hands of the BOAC, and we are following up with them and the City of Los Angeles to send a Section 175 letter - with this documentation - to the FAA.