Nov. 26, 2019
NBAA is encouraging members and other business aviation stakeholders to make their voices heard as the FAA continues to progress with its Metroplex optimization programs across the United States, most recently with the issuance of its final environmental assessment (EA) for the Denver Metroplex project and a draft EA for planned rerouting efforts over Las Vegas, NV.
The Denver and Las Vegas projects are among 12 Metroplex initiatives spearheaded by the agency to convert existing STAR and SID procedures over large metropolitan areas to performance-based navigation utilizing area navigation procedures.
Heidi Williams, NBAA director for air traffic services and infrastructure, noted that those interested have until late December to comment on the Denver Final EA. “Completion of the environmental assessments marks a major step prior to implementation of these metroplex initiatives, but business aviation stakeholders still have time to make their voices heard,” she said.
NBAA has been an active participant in the workshop and comment processes leading up to Metroplex project implementation.
Ahead of the Denver Final EA, the FAA held 24 public workshops and conducted approximately 78 briefings for community groups, airport officials, and local, state and federal officials. The agency projects $1.8 million in fuel savings in the area, and a reduction of 5.4 thousand metric tons in carbon emissions. Learn more about the Denver project.
Williams also encouraged operators and pilots to take advantage of the five workshops scheduled to held around Las Vegas between Dec. 9-13 to learn more about that city’s airspace optimization effort and the recently completed draft EA. Learn more about the workshops.
“Workshops are a fantastic opportunity to better understand the agency’s decision-making process and to engage with FAA personnel with any questions or concerns,” she said. “Community engagement is critical to this process.”
In addition to its Metroplex initiatives, the FAA also is conducting 17 “Single Site” optimizations in smaller cities to enhance operational efficiency and reduce noise in populated areas. The agency is required under federal law to conduct an environmental review in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act prior to implementing any new airspace procedures.
International Business Aviation Council Ltd.