Loading...
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