We have a proactive noise abatement program that includes maps and guidelines for airport users. We meet with flight schools and other tenants to continually emphasize the importance of mitigating noise, and it is often a topic during our quarterly brief. The noise abatement program is designed to help the Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport users coexist peacefully with the surrounding communities. It is every pilot's responsibility to follow the airport recommended noise abatement procedures, while staying within safe aircraft operational parameters; however, we can't control the traffic after it departs. This is the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) area of authority.
Our traffic pattern altitude is 1,200 feet, 200 feet higher than the FAA 1,000-foot standard (traffic pattern altitude is the height above the runways). This is not an arbitrary number and is closely tied to aircraft performance limitations in the landing phase of flight; therefore, aircraft here need to lose an additional 200 feet of altitude before landing. This results in potentially higher speeds at landing. Also, aircraft in the pattern must be able to take off and climb to this altitude before landing again, which may increase noise in some instances because the planes must be at full power for a longer period.
Additionally, we continue to advise surrounding cities and developers about how the airport will affect their developments. In some neighborhoods, avigation easements are included in the closing paperwork so residents are aware of the potential hazards associated with living near the airport. We will continue to make recommendations and promote our noise abatement program to try to minimize the impact of aircraft noise as much as possible. Contact us for any further questions at 303-271-4850.