The Colorado Court of Appeals has reaffirmed federal jurisdiction over aircraft noise regulation but left the door open for legal examination of lead emissions from flight training aircraft. The Town of Superior, Colorado, and Boulder County sued businesses at Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport over noise and lead emissions, and the case was dismissed by the district court. The local governments appealed that decision, and the Court of Appeals upheld the decision on noise but sent the part about lead emissions back to the lower court for reexamination because it raises a “novel” legal question.
The Court of Appeals relied on decades-old precedent, including a Supreme Court decision that gives the federal government absolute control over aircraft noise regulation. “This decision raises important questions about whether communities have any meaningful pathway to address serious impacts from airport operations. We are carefully reviewing the ruling and considering our options for next steps,” Mayor Mark Lacis said in a statement. It’s not clear what legal avenues may be open on the lead issue.
Airports have been around forever. Which means to most people, the adjacent land owners did not do their homework to purchase a home next to an airport. Meaning the potential problem is on the homeowner. Looking at the busiest general aviation airport on planet Earth, Van Nuys, CA, should give people an indication of lead in the atmosphere adjacent to airports. The lead is certainly there, but as in most cases, the airports precede the people who live next to the airport; giving the airport prior rights. The take off end of the most commonly used runway is probably where the highest level of lead is located. And since lead is limited to I believe 10 part per million (ppm) in aircraft fuel, a noticeable amount of lead in the atmosphere is highly unlikely. But certainly possible. I believe the FAA or the EPA or both have been monitoring the lead around Van Nuys Airport for at least a decade; and would have told the public if a lead endangerment existed near Van Nuys Airport. And, airport noise will always be a potential problem. With the advent of ultralight and light sport aircraft (LSA) electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft; new fixed wing aircraft deliveries will likely become less and less; eventually reducing the atmospheric lead level. Fixed wing aircraft are now antiques. And with the ability to come and go from one’s driveway in an ultralight or LSA eVTOL, why would anyone own a fixed wing aircraft? They probably will not, unless they are collecting aircraft. In the US, there are around 600,000 licensed pilots. Best guess, that many again people will buy and fly an ultralight eVTOL; in the next 10 to 20 years. It appears some social stigma exists against flying; which appears ridiculous, but real. It is an effort to learn to fly. But, especially in metro areas with traffic jams, more and more people will be attracted to ultralight and LSA eVTOLs to stay out of freeway traffic jams. A good ground school on airspace classes B; C; D & E will keep ultralight eVTOL operators and airliners safe in metro airspace. So, the tools are in place for this advancement in aviation and living better through the use of advanced technology of eVTOLs. Airports will always be with us because nearly everyone has a soft spot for antiques; antique aircraft especially. Oh, and snow has 50 parts per billion (ppb) mercury, and rain has 25 parts per billion (ppb) mercury, likely less than the lead level near an airport; but within safe levels for breathing, at least in the short term. Long term: do not live next to or near an airport due to the cumulative effect of toxins.
man thats a lot . airports have been around forever. if they want to complain . move if you can or deal with it.
Yeah, they’ll bitch about the airplanes while living next to a highway where cars and unregulated emissions from tractor trailers go unnoticed… Plain ignorant.
And if you think the problems with the I5 or the 405 with traffic is a mess and the death rates are high …just wait till the idiots drivers buy and fly electric, vTOL aircraft!!!
Nimby arseholes. I’d bet 90% of the complaints come from maybe three people.
I bet you are correct!!!