What can I do about the noise from aircraft?
If you are concerned about noise from jets and large commercial planes, you can contact the John Wayne Airport Access and Noise Office at (949) 252-5185, send an email to NoiseInfo@ocair.com or visit their website.
Air Flight tracks can be checked by using John Wayne Airport’s "Airport Monitor". For additional information regarding air traffic noise please refer to the Questions and Answers report prepare by the John Wayne Airport Access & Noise Office.
Is there a curfew at John Wayne Airport?
The John Wayne Airport Settlement Agreement approved in 1985 and extended in 2003, establishes nighttime curfews, special departure procedures, and other operational procedures for the loudest commercial aircraft Class A or Class E. The curfew hours are from 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. on weeknights for departures and 11:00 p.m. for arrivals. Sundays and holidays the curfew is from 10:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m.
When does the John Wayne Airport Settlement Agreement expire?
The Settlement Agreement will expire on December 31, 2015 with the exception of the “curfew” provision that will expire no earlier than December 31, 2020. The Settlement Agreement is the product of a settlement of a lawsuit against the County of Orange, proprietor of John Wayne Airport by the City of Newport Beach, the Airport Working Group of Orange County, Inc., and a local environmental group, Stop Polluting Our Newport.
In 2000, as part of an effort to efficiently manage the impacts of John Wayne Airport, the Cities of Newport, Anaheim, Costa Mesa, Orange, Santa Ana and Tustin created the “Corridor Cities” Coalition, because of their collective support of the Settlement Agreement. The Corridor Cities later adopted seven principles necessary to protect residents impacted by John Wayne Airport.
In 2010, the Laguna Beach City Council unanimously supported the seven principles which include opposing any expansion of the airport beyond the 2007 footprint. Click here for a copy of the Agenda Bill, City Council meeting minutes, and letter from the City of Newport. Other Corridor Cities that have joined the Coalition are Laguna Woods, Irvine and Villa Park.
Why is there airplane traffic during the middle of the night?
Commercial aircraft flying over Laguna Beach after 10:00 p.m. are probably flights arriving at the Los Angeles International Airport. These flights can be confirmed by checking flight tracks using JWA's Airport Monitor.
Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) Noise Management Department provides residents with a number of options to submit complaints about airport noise. residents with a number of options to submit complaints about airport noise. If you wish to submit a noise complaint by telephone, please call the (424) 646-6473. Online complaint forms are available on their web site. A LAWA Community Roundtable meets once a month to discuss noise concerns and discuss courses of action. Their monthly reports are posted on their website.
Who makes decisions about the departure procedures?
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has the statutory responsibility and primary mission to promote safety, efficiency, and provide for the safe use of airspace. The FAA has the sole authority to control air traffic. Neither the City of Laguna Beach nor the State of California can regulate the altitude, speed, direction, or location of aircraft in flight.
The FAA investigates citizen complaints of low-flying aircraft operated in violation of the Federal Aviation Regulations and noise complaints. Contact the local FAA Flight Standards District Office in Long Beach at (562) 420-1755 to file a complaint of low-flying aircraft. Ask for the Operations Officer on Duty. To file an aircraft noise complaint, click here to send an email to the FAA Aviation Noise Ombudsman in Washington DC.
Where can I find information about departure procedures from John Wayne Airport?
Airspace control and management is the sole responsibility of the FAA. Any change in departure or arrival flight paths can only be approved, and implemented, by the FAA.
The FAA implemented a new Area Navigation (RNAV) departure procedure call "STREL" on March 10, 2011. The purpose of the new procedure is to center departures over Newport Bay and also to make aircraft moving east of Las Vegas more efficient.
Frequently asked questions about STREL prepared by John Wayne Airport staff are available on their website.
