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Hanscom Field Advisory Commission
Minutes September 21, 2010
Prepared by Massport Staff
1. Minutes:
The meeting was called to order by Jeanne Krieger. There were no comments on the
June Minutes.
2. Annual Noise Report:
Sara Arnold presented the 2009 Annual Noise Report, which includes a
comparison of 2009 calendar year data to 2008. In 2009, total FAA tower counts dropped 9.6%,
the single engine piston component dropped 8.0% and jets dropped 16.9%. Using the Hanscom
EXP noise metric, the 2009 departure noise for civilian aircraft declined 1.0 dB; 2009 civilian
departure noise was the lowest since 1978, when noise levels were first calculated. Civilian
aircraft contributed 62% of the total departure noise. Military aircraft, representing less than one
percent of the total activity, contributed 38% of the total departure noise.
In response to questions, S. Arnold and Dorothy Steele explained that:
The reported daily operations include arrivals and departures.
Natural attrition of State 2 jets (noisiest aircraft) has resulted in a steady decline in their
use at Hanscom since 2000. Massport supports a national phase out of these aircraft.
EXP is a metric that indicates changes that will be reflected in noise contours because it
uses the same methodology used to calculate the contours. However, contours take
runway use into consideration while EXP assumes that every aircraft flies over one
location. A consultant for Massport produces the contours for the Environmental Status
and Planning Reports (ESPRs).
Although the recession did not appear to impact local and single aircraft activity in early
2008, it probably did impact the subsequent decline in these operations in late 2008
through 2009.
The 1978 Master Plan and the 1980 General Rules and Regulations for L.G. Hanscom
Field continue to serve as guides to Massport. The 1980
General Rules and Regulations updated the commuter aircraft definition from 30 seats to
60 seats. Although there has not been an update to the Master Plan, Massport produces
provides
the Hanscom Field Environmental Status and Planning Report which
environmental analysis of potential development at Hanscom Field.
3. Monthly Noise Report/ Hanscom Projects:
S. Arnold presented the August noise report.
4.Capital Projects and Third Party Development report
. Dorothy Steele presented the
September projects report. In response to questions, D. Steele explained that:
Plans for trail clearing on Massport property are being discussed with the Bedford
ConCom in accordance with the JCA-Vegetation ManagementOA agreements.
The Air Force notified Massport that it no longer needs a parcel of land it currently leases
from the airport. The Air Force restored the parcel to a condition that is acceptable to
Massport and has begun the paperwork needed to remove the parcel from its lease
agreement. An existing sports complex adjacent to the parcel is interested in growing its
facility and has been in communication with Massport about the pafuture
development. Mike Rosenberg commented that Bedford supports expansion of the sports
complex at this site.
Massport has not had discussions with commercial or cargo operators.
5. HFAC Commission Nominations Committee:
J. Krieger is interested in increasing
participation at the meetings and proposed the establishment of a membership nomination
committee. J. Krieger, Margaret Coppe, and D. Steele will work together to reach out to local
towns and aviation representatives to fill all vacant seats on HFAC
6. MMNHP/Touch & Go Fly Friendly Program:
Lou Sideris of Minute Man National Historic
Park commented that they are very grateful for Massport's efforts to reduce touch and go traffic
over the Park.
6. Next Meeting:
The next HFAC meeting is scheduled for October 19, 2010.
Attendees
: Sara Arnold, Cedric Daniel, Dorothy Steele, Tom Hirsch, Jeanne Krieger, Diane
Reid, Mike Rosenberg, Lou Sideris and Elise Woodward.