Harvey Chapter 2010 Activity Calendar
Updated 02.16.10
Noise Abatement
Reminder for Pilots at Harvey Field
By Barb Schach,
Harvey Field Chapter
A meeting was held at Harvey Field
(S43) on May 23 to discuss ways to decrease the impact of noise
on residents in the area. Some residents who live northeast of
the flight path of runway 32 have been calling the airport
regularly with complaints. Kandace Harvey, the owner of Harvey
Field, hired an aviation consultant, David Ketchum, to mediate
the meeting and come up with some solutions.
The meeting was attended by about
30 residents and about 15 pilots. Some of the residents were
quite angry and vocal. By the end of the meeting, though, both
residents and the pilots had a better appreciation of the
situation. The pilots made it clear that they want to be part
of a solution to decrease the noise. It was felt that the best
way to do so would be through better education of the noise
abatement procedures.
The proper noise abatement
procedure for runway 32 is to track the runway centerline until
crossing the railroad. Then pilots should turn to a heading of
290° before the river and stay on the north side of the railroad
tracks. Pilots should climb to 1000 feet before heading
northbound. It is important to watch for aircraft approaching
the airport on the 45. These aircraft will be coming into the
pattern from the south side of the railroad tracks. New signs
depicting the noise abatement procedure have been designed and
will be placed at key points at the airport. The noise
abatement procedures can be found at
http://www.harveyfield.com/hafnoise.htm.
Pilots deviating from the
recommendations will be notified on the radio and/or by mail to
remind them of the proper procedure. It is understood, though,
that under some conditions, deviation from the procedure will be
necessary to ensure safe flying. Under ordinary circumstances,
however, these deviations would be infrequent.
Other steps will be taken to work
on the noise issue. Pilots from Harvey Field will be spending
time on the ground in the affected residential areas to monitor
the noise. Experiments with a constant speed propeller are also
planned. A committee composed of pilots and residents will be
meeting on a regular basis.
As a pilot based at Harvey Field,
it appears that the majority of pilots follow the noise
abatement procedure. However, it only takes a handful of pilots
unfamiliar with the procedure to cause a lot of noise issues,
particularly on a nice sunny day.
All pilots, whether based at
Harvey Field or flying in for a visit, are urged to learn and
follow the noise abatement procedures. Let’s keep Harvey Field
a good neighbor to the people of Snohomish. Harvey Field and
the town of Snohomish are great places to visit. Let’s make
sure we don’t wear out our welcome.
Page Last Updated: 02.09.12
