HomeMy WebLinkAbout2002-06-18-HFAC-min
Hanscom Field Advisory Commission
Minutes
June 18, 2002
1. Environmental Status and Planning Report (ESPR):
It was announced that
Massport would be presenting an introductory overview of the ESPR at the HATS
meeting on June 27 in the Bedford town hall auditorium.
2. Monthly Noise Report:
Sara Arnold distributed the monthly noise report, which
included data for both April and May. Margaret Coppe commented that she has heard
two complaints recently from residents. First, calling about noise doesn’t do anything. It
was noted that the aircraft are not doing anything they aren’t allowed to do, but pilots are
encouraged to use quiet flying techniques. Letters about complaints are sent to
companies that operate between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m. Second, on the Friday prior to the air
show, residents were calling the police station. Some people thought we were being
attacked. There needs to be better communication with the residents about what to
expect when there is an air show.
There was discussion about the meaning of EXP, the metric used to track noise exposure.
Shelly Moll said that he finds the number of jet operations more meaningful than the
EXP metric. S. Arnold noted that EXP was designed to track changes in the DNL noise
contours.
S. Arnold reported that the nighttime field use fees are increasing on July 1 from $43 and
$315 to $44 and $320 for aircraft that weigh 12,500 pounds or less and aircraft that weigh
over 12,500 pounds respectively. The fee doubles after five operations in a calendar
year.
3. Commercial Passenger Service:
Richard Walsh reported that nothing has changed
since the May meeting. Boston-Maine remains interested in starting service at Hanscom,
but doesn’t have its operating specifications from the FAA yet. During the summer,
Boston-Maine plans to serve the Cape islands during the week, while Shuttle America
plans to continue its weekend service to the Cape islands.
In response to a question regarding Boston-Maine’s financial stability, R. Walsh said that
Massport holds a security deposit. In response to a question, R. Walsh said that B-M
attended an HFAC meeting a year ago.
4. Planning Report:
S. Arnold reported that two projects will be moving forward over
the summer: new airport fencing, which will increase the height of the current fencing in
some areas, and parking lot reconstruction. The latter will include infrastructure for
revenue control.
S. Arnold also reported that Mercury has contacted Massport about transferring its lease
to Signature Flight Services. This is being reviewed within Massport. There were
comments that Signature is a “bigger player” than Mercury, and Signature will want the
Hanscom FBO to grow.
5. Engine Run-ups:
Mark Cestari reported that Shuttle America is moving its
maintenance operation out of Hanscom so there will less nighttime activity. The group
that met on this issue reported on their recommendations, which resulted in a vote to 1)
ask Massport to keep a log of nighttime (11 p.m. to 7 a.m.) run-ups; and 2) ask Massport
and the Noise Working Group to explore whether there is a run-up area and/or structure
that would reduce noise for the residents. Those who met would like something
constructive to evolve out of this situation.
6. Other:
It was agreed that HFAC would not meet during the summer unless there is
an issue that comes up that needs HFAC’s attention.
Baggage screening requirements that are applicable to commercial flights will apply to
Hanscom, and Hanscom will comply. Massport has a new security director who will be
responsible for Logan, Worcester and Hanscom.
Meetings with the Conservation Commissions in the four towns, which are reviewing
Massport’s Notices of Intent for the vegetation removal project, are continuing.