HomeMy WebLinkAbout1986-05-20-HFA-min HANSCOM FIELD ADVISORY COMMISSION
MINUTES OF THE MEETING
May 20, 1986
In attendance were:
Dee Shepard Massport
Jim Cronan Beechcraft
Bob Lombardo Beechcraft
JoRita Jordan Carlisle
Vita Theriault Lincoln
Michael Dye & Paul Ardizzoni Jet Aviation
Capt. Bob Williams USAF Hanscom
Robert Nash National Park
Ed Trautman Lexington
Joe Hartka Raytheon
Scott Cooledge Lexington
Ben Obear A.O.P.A.
Robert Schaeberle Jet Aviation
Steve Dennis Jet Aviation
Robert. Domnitz Meriam Hill Assoc. (Lex. )
Fred Marcus Lincoln
Jane Farmer LWV
R.D Sanford N.B.A.A.
Rick Hill Concord
Rich Theriault Lincoln
Michelle Matteo Bedford
J.M. Wraga Beechcraft
Rosemond Dulou Lincoln Planning Board
Warren F. Flint, Jr. Lincoln Planning Board
Jim Fitzgerald Boston Airlines
Ken Roberts Boston Airlines
Nancy Baker MEPA
Graydon Wheaton CAPA
1. Minutes - Approved
2 . Operations Subcommittee - Sandy Sanford distributed minutes,
see attached, of the Operations Subcommittee meeting on May
8th with regard to the Beechcraft ENF regarding construction
of the Air Center One. He also stated that the Beechcraft
ENF was mandatory, not voluntary as previously suggested in
error by Joyce Hals , that the Subcommittee' s role includes
operational procedures and the Memorandum of Understanding
should be reviewed, and finally that he was concerned that
Greiner Engineering study has not been shared with the
Commission. He suggested shelving the Beechcraft ENF until
HFAC can look at the Greiner Report and study it.
3. Beechcraft ENF - MEPA Hearing - Nancy Baker reviewed the
timetable, saying the comment period will end on May 29 and
MEPA must take action by June 9th. The Lincoln representative
has already stated he wants an Environmental Impact Report
since the GEIR has not been completed. Discussion followed
regarding the need to have Greiner input into the Beech
proposal. Joyce Hals advised that Greiner has been advised
during the time the Draft ENF was under discussion1that
the subcommittee' s concerns had been evaluated and taken
into account before the final ENF was distributed. Members
felt that Greiner should come to the next meeting and explain
their conclusions and also give a progress report on how the
Beechcraft proposal will fit into the concepts developed for
the Civil Terminal Area. John Wraga was asked to re-submit
the ENF and he agreed to do so
4 . Boston Airlines ENF - MEPA Hearing - Nancy Baker clarified
that the proposed maximum number of round trips per day will
be 13. Bob Domnitz asked for clarification regarding the
60 dB statement in the ENF. Following discussion on the subject,
Nancy Baker requested Boston Airlines to submit additional
noise data. Fred Marcus stated he was certain there would be
a short fall in parking and felt unsatisfied with Massport' s
statement that they would secure additional spaces, if needed,
by negotiating with other tenants on the field who may have
surplus. Nancy Baker asked for a commitment in writing.
Sandy Sanford asked if Boston Airlines planned to make landings
at the Civil Terminal Area. He stated that he believed the
area unsafe due to the number of persons having access, and
that it would be a hazard to eyes, ears and from blowing items .
Jim Fitzgerald advised that this is not an unsafe practice
and the operations planned by Boston Airlines is done at all
airports. Following discussion of the benefits and problems
of operating in close vicinity of the Terminal, Nancy Baker
asked Boston Airlines to provide further information on the
matter. The question of routing was also discussed and how
often the routes would deviate from the prescribed course due
to Tower requests or for sight-seeing purposes. Ken Roberts
and Jim Fitzgerald reviewed the procedures and assured the
members that although they should be allowed to operate as all
Page 2
other aircraft do, the instances of going off course would
be rare. Bob DomW1tz asked if the 7 a.m. start time was due
to the night surcharge and would Boston Airlines start sooner
if the Rules are relaxed. Ken Roberts responded that they
might but also explained that they don't believe the market
exists for such early flights. Nancy Baker requested that
all of the issues discussed be resolved by Boston Airlines
before the end of the comment period. A decision will be
due on June 9th.
5. 47 Acre Committee Proposal - Roz Delori, Chairman of the Lincoln
Planning Board presented a proposal which would border Hanscom
Field. The project would include 120 units of Lincoln sponsored
moderate income housing together with 120, 000 s. f. of commercial
office space built by Cranberry Hill Associates . The funds
generated from the taxes of both developments would offset the
expenses to the Town of Lincoln. A relocated section of Old
Bedford Road would require easement over Massport property.
The 47 Acre Committee feels this plan, if the traffic issues
can be resolved, will meet their goals for development of the
area. A number of members commented on the unreasonableness
of placing housing near the airport, the traffic impacts and
the possibility that Massport could see this as an opening
to develop their property. Fred Marcus remarked that there
are complaintsnow from area residents and the project would
be likely to trigger many more. Ben Obear observed that the
traffic impacts are significant and little is being said while
any small project at Hanscom is considered serious. Michelle
Matteo asked how much land is available and what plans Massport
has for land abutting the parcel . Joyce Hals stated that there
are no plans at this time but that in the GEIR the impact of
a 100, 000 s.f. development is being considered. Roz Delori
advised the members that a special Town Meeting will be held
on June 9th to request funds for further study and she would
appreciate input from HFAC.
6 . Noise Subcommittee Report - Rick Hill distributed a copy of
the minutes of the May 8th meeting with a copy of a concept for
changing the nighttime operations. (copy attached)
He summarized the sense of the meeting, emphasizing that while
some communities interest is for the rules to remain as is,
fearing the consequences of change, some of the aviation
community feels a change in the rules based on noise ought
to be tested. The report was discussed and the general reaction
of the members was that further study would be required as
well as a need for all concerned to work in harmony if any
changes were to be accomplished. The Hanscom Field Users Group
planned to meet to discuss the situation. Joyce Hals was asked
to provide data in writing at the next meeting.
7 . Nominating Committee Report - Michelle Matteo distributed
a report of their recommendations and read it. The report
was discussed and the slate approved.
8 . Tower Tour - Rick Hill suggested that a Tower Tour and
picnic be held before the June Meeting. However, due to
a potential conflicting meeting of the GEIR Subcommittee,
the project was cancelled and the next meeting will be held
in Lexington as usual.
9. Railroad Right-of Way Acquisition - Joyce Hals informed the
members that Massport had received notice from the General
Services Administration that a railroad spur from Maguire
Road to the Air Force Base is surplus property and available
for sale to a public agency. Bedford and Lexington have
all responded that they would use it for a bike way and
Massport would consider it as a way of assuring access to
the FAA landing instruments and also as a possible route
for a road to the north side of the field. The General
Services Administration has requested that the three parties
try to work out a solution and Massport has met with the
Town Managers of both towns. Members expressed disappointment
that they had not been informed sooner and stated implications
regarding a possible Hartwell Connector. Graydon Wheaton
felt this was not a problem since the connector would not
be built in their lifetime. Fred Marcus also thought the
Commission should have been notified sooner and asked that
at the next meeting procedures for distributing information
should be discussed.
10 . Other - Bob :Domnitz requested that the following resolution
be placed in the next HFAC minutes.
The following resolution was adopted by the Merriam Hill
Association at its annual meeting on March 2 , 1986.
"The Merriam Hill Association believes that current
policies and regulations at Hanscom Field have been
effective in controlling noise in our neighborhood.
We believe that no changes should be made at this
time. "
AIRPORT OPERATIONS SUBCOMMITTEE
A meeting of the airport operations subcommittee was held at the Massport
conference room on May 8, 1986
Present were Jim Merageas FAA
John Wraga Beechcraft
Art Teager Patriot Aviation
Joe Wartka Raytheon
Rick Hill Concord
Jim Cronan Beechcraft
Bob Schaeberle Jet Aviation
Paul Ardizzoni Jet Aviation
Joyce Hals Massport
Mike Dye Jet Aviation
The E N F proposal by Beechcraft for the construction of an Air Center I
terminal was the main discussion topic
Mr John Wraga explained the revisions to the E N F made since the last meeting
Mr Bob Schaeberle pointed out that the ramp management area as shown brought
arriving jet aircraft to the immediate terminal area The attendant noise had
been eliminated in the past by using the jet ramp near the tower for all
arrivals and departures
Mr Wraga explained that the Air Center I concept allowed for arriving aircraft
to pull up to the front of the terminal , shut down engines and discharge
passengers The aircraft would then be towed to overnight parking or to a
departure position The departure positions would be those in the ramp
management area which would best utilize the terminal building as a noise buffer
for its tenants
Mr Schaeberle questioned Massport 's need to authorize use of the main terminal
ramp area in that it showed lack of concern for tenants of the terminal
Ms Hals stated that Massport has addressed the issue and decided that
Beechcraft would minimize the noise impact through the Air Center I concept
She also stated that the proposed facility falls within the Greiner scope and is
not in conflict with at least the preliminary Greiner information
Several attendees agreed that noise in the main terminal area would rise to some
degree through construction and use of this executive terminal
It was unanimously agreed to recommend that every consideration be given to
making the taxi area east of the Beechraft ramp management area into a taxiway
instead of a taxi lane It was felt that the increased control by the tower
would improve safety and reduce vehicular traffic
Airport Operations Subcommittee
Page -2-
The Airport Operations Subcommittee further strongly recommends that whichever
type of taxi route is chosen, that it
(a) be a minimum of 110 foot wide black$- e with centerline striping,
(b) be adequately marked according to the rules for a taxiway/taxi lane, and
(c) be bordered by an appropriately marked ramp management area clearly
defining the Beechcraft area of responsibility
Ms Hals indicated that Beechcraft had agreed with Massport that should the
aviation dedicated space south of the Gillette/Pneumo hangars be developed , an
adjustment to the size and shape of the ramp management area would be made
Attendees were reminded of the E N F process and that individual
recommendations on the proposal should be made to MEPA in writing
Respectfully submitted,
R D Sanford
Chairman
Hanscom Field Advisory Commission
Noise Subcommittee Meeting
May 0, 1986
The Noise Subcommittee of the Hanscom Field Advisory
Commission (HFAC) met on Thursday evening, May 8, 1906 to
discuss details concerning proposed changes to the night surcharge
rules currently in effect at Hanscom Field. In attendance were
the following individuals:
Richard Hill - Concord
Michael Dye - Jet Aviation
Paul Ardizzoni - Jet Aviation
Robert Schaebale - Jet Aviation
Robert Domnitz - Merriam Hill Association - Lexington
R.D. Sanford - NBAA
R. Theriault - Lincoln
Russ Arena - Raytheon
Fred Marcus - Lincoln
Jim Merageas - FAA
Mike Goulian - Executive Flyers
Marcia Bushnell - Lexington
Arthur Teager - Patriot Aviation
Joe Hartka - Raytheon
Mary E. Eagan - Harris, Miller , Miller , & Hanson
Bob Miller - Harris, Miller, Miller , & Hanson
Joyce Hals - Massport.
Michelle Matteo - Bedford
Discussion :
Bob Miller presented a draft discussion paper (see attached
sheet) covering a possible night operation surcharge rule.
The draft incorporated the following points:
1 . 60 dBA is a noise level above which there is a
minimum probability of sleep disruption ;
2. homes within New England provide 17 dBA of noise
attenuation ;
3. FAA Advisory Circular 3o-3c provides empirical
data for aircraft takeoffs and landings based upon standard
conditions and configurations. (in some instances the data
is computer simulated) Takeoff level is measured at a point
6500 meters from start of take-off roll ; landing level is at
a point 2000 meters from approach touchdown ;
4. Applying the above to aircraft and operational
procedures at Hanscom; a level of 649. 1 dBA for takeoff and
73.7 dBA for landing was suggested as one above which there
would exist a minimum probability of sleep disruption ;
5. Aircraft whose dBA levels in Circular 3o-3c fall
above the dBA levels in item 4 would be subject to a sliding charge
depending upon the variance between the two levels A sample
schedule of charges is included on the attached sheet.
b. A mechanism for re-evaluation of aircraft by the
Executive Director should be implemented so that the FAA
Circular can be "modified" to reflect other than the
standard configurations and operating procedures;
As a aside Mr . Miller noted that a similar rule is not in
place at another airport.
Further discussion :
Communities basically want the rules to remain as they are
with many representatives expressing concern about increased
activity should the rules change. In addition they cite
increased community concern about single engine propeller
aircraft over the last twelve month period plus a belief
that any modification to the rules will result in an
increase in activity by this category of aircraft. The point
was also made that any change in activity and/or noise would
probably be attributed to a noise rule change and that this
needed to be mentioned.
Aviation users, as has been stated before, see any rule as
a restriction on their ability to operate and would prefer
that the noise rules be eliminated altogether . If a rule
must exist however , they prefer one that is based upon some
measureable criteria such as noise levels rather than one
based upon an "arbitrary" measurement such as weight.
Several users stated that the suggested rule was one with
which they could operate Most users feel that the proposed
change would riot precipitate any measurable change in
nighttime activity at Hanscom. It was also mentioned
that any substitute rule and/or change should be implemented
on the basis of activity that can be identified as being
related to Hanscom.
All parties agreed that any change or modification
should be implemented on a trial basis so as to allow
art opportunity for review.
Other :
Changes to the rules would require public hearings as well
as community , aviation user , etc . input.
John Wraga mentioned that he planned to present the draft
proposal to an upcoming meeting of the airport users.
Joyce Hals said v,he would gather statistics concerning
current levels of night activity for 1'=0E5.
Recommendations:
Continue discussions, evaluate dBA values.
The meeting adjourned at approximately '=►:3O p.m.
DRAFT REGULATORY CONCEPT
TO PERMIT NIGHT OPERATIONS BY QUIET AIRCRAFT
ARTICLE IV. NIGHTTIME OPERATIONS
Any aircraft departing Hanscom between the hours of
11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. whose "takeoff" sound level, as
listed in Federal Aviation Administration Advisory
Circular 36-3C or its supplements, exceeds 68. 1 dBA, or
any aircraft landing at Hanscom between the hours of
11:00 p.m and 7:00 a.m. whose "approach" sound level,
also as listed in Advisory Circular 36-3C or its
supplements, exceeds 73.7 dBA shall be subject to a
surcharge for noise.
Surcharge amounts shall be assessed in accordance with
the following schedule:
For aircraft exceeding the criterion level by
less than 5.0 dB, the surcharge is $25.00.
For aircraft exceeding the criterion level by
5.1 to 10.0 dB, the surcharge is $75.00.
For aircraft exceeding the criterion level by
more than 10.0 dB, the surcharge is $150.00.
The operator of any aircraft whose "takeoff" or
"landing" sound level exceeds the criterion levels above
may submit to the Executive Director certified
measurement data showing that the aircraft produces
levels lower than those published in AC 36-3C.
Measurements must be made at the FAR Part 36 takeoff or
landing measurement locations or adjusted to those
locations by a method approved by the Executive
Director
No operator of an aircraft will be subject to the
provisions of this Article if the nighttime operation
results from an inflight emergency or a diversion due to
weather
REPORT OF THE NOMINATING COMMITTEE
1. Terms to be filled by the respective Boards of Selectmen 1986 - 1989
Concord Richard Hill is up for re-appointment.
2 Terms to be filled by approval of Three (3) of the Four (4) Boards of Selectmen in
Bedford, Concord, Lexington, and Lincoln
Local Citizens Group
The Meriam Hill Association has requested that their representation continue
through Robert Domnitz for another term. No other organization in this category
has applied We welcome Bob's continued contribution.
Area-Wide Organization
The League of Women Voters of Bedford, Concord, Lexington, and Lincoln have
asked to continue on the commission and Jane Farmer has agreed to another term
as their representative Jane has been a valued member of the commission for
many years and we look forward to her continuing. No other area-wide organization
has requested representation
Businesses Basing Aircraft at Hanscom
Digital Equipment Corporation has requested continued representation on the
commission They have submitted Henry Wilfhalm as their representative and Thomas
Chestnut as the alternate Henry has attended a couple of recent commission and
sub-committee meetings, and is presently the Aviation Operations Manager for D.E.C. .
Firms Doing Business at Hanscom Field
Jet Aviation is currently filling the term left vacant by Stead Aviation
The committee feels they should have the opportunity to serve a full team They
have submitted Michael Dye as their representative and Paul Ardizzoni as alternate
3 Chairman, The Nominating Committee recommends Fred Marcus, of Lincoln, as the
1986-1987 Commission Chairman
Submitted by
Sandy Sanford, Richard Teriault, Michelle Matteo
Nominating Committee