Ongoing Noise Concerns at Falcon Field Airport Spur Resident Complaints
Residents in east Mesa are raising their voices about the persistent noise from training flights at Falcon Field Airport, citing both quality of life and health concerns. The continuous buzz of aircraft has become a source of frustration for many living in the area.
Many locals are pointing fingers at the numerous flight schools operating out of the airport. A petition circulated among the community highlights worries about “the relentless stream of low-flying training aircraft,” which residents believe is diminishing property values and potentially introducing lead into the environment from aviation fuel.
According to the latest figures, the airport has managed over 424,000 flights, underscoring the volume of activity that some residents find troubling.
The city of Mesa, in a statement to KJZZ, explained that Falcon Field is required to operate around the clock due to federal regulations. This means specific limitations, such as quiet hours, cannot be enforced, nor can there be discrimination against any type of airport user, including the flight schools. The city has pledged to continue hosting community meetings to address these ongoing concerns.
These noise-related issues come at a time when the city is considering a new proposal for landing fees, set to be reviewed in February.
City of Mesa’s Official Position
“The FAA maintains absolute pre-emptive jurisdiction over airspace management, take-off and landing procedures, and permitted aircraft noise levels. A document with more detailed information about federal authority over local airspace is included for your reference. As a federally obligated public airport, Falcon Field must remain open 24/7 and cannot impose mandatory quiet hours, minimum altitudes, take-off or landing procedures, aircraft spacing requirements or changes to traffic patterns. Additionally, the City cannot impose access restrictions that discriminate against any type of airport user such as flight training schools.
Recognizing the disruptive impact aircraft noise can have on certain neighborhoods, Mesa works extensively with community members, airport tenants, federal partners and other stakeholders to balance the needs of residents and those of airport users. The Fly Friendly program provides detailed noise mitigation recommendations, which the City continually promotes among airport users. Staff regularly communicate with residents that report disruptive airport use and share complaint information among airport tenants to discourage impact on noise-sensitive communities. We have also held several community meetings on the topic and plan to conduct additional sessions in the future.”
