PIE Noise Abatement and Mitigation
Although federal legislation assigns airport operators with primary responsibility for managing the noise issue, the federal government limits the authority airport operators have when it comes to implementing measures intended to reduce noise.
The Federal Aviation Act of 1958 granted the Federal Aviation Administration with sole responsibility for the nation's system of air navigation and air traffic control. Today, the FAA remains the only agency that can control aircraft flight operations and the organization with primary responsibility for managing the National Airspace System (NAS). The FAA is required to ensure the safe and efficient use of the NAS. All airports within the United States, including the St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport (PIE) are a part of the NAS. Those airports serving air carriers receive special certification and federal funding for improvement and expansion increasing their importance and function within the NAS and subsequently, FAA's interest in their operation.
Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR) provide the operational requirements for airport operators. These regulations include specific guidelines describing what an airport operator may and may not do in an effort to reduce noise. Any restriction to access or use of a public-use airport must be approved by the FAA.
In an effort to reduce noise exposure areas considered sensitive to noise (usually referring to residential areas), the FAA has approved the use of noise abatement procedures at airports around the United States. In 1996, the FAA approved noise abatement procedures which apply to air carrier operations at St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport. These procedures have been in use ever since.
Noise abatement procedures include a set of instructions for pilots either arriving or departing an airport. They usually include specific directions (vectors), which guide departing aircraft from the airport and away from residential areas. Procedures for arriving aircraft may also be used.
Learn more about Aircraft Noise and Management Programs
For general information about Aircraft Noise and Noise Exposure, click here.
For specific information about the noise abatement procedures used at the Airport, see PIE Noise Abatement Procedures. In addition to the use of noise abatement procedures, the Airport restricts certain activities between 11:00 P.M. and 7:00 A.M. in an effort to reduce noise during nighttime hours. For a list of these restrictions, click here. Also, a Voluntary Quiet Window is in effect from 11:00 P.M. until 6:00 A.M. daily. While not a curfew, we request aircraft operators refrain from flying unless operationally necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions - For answers to some of the most common questions asked about noise management.
Click here to view the Airport's Noise Abatement brochure which highlights key components of our noise mitigation program.
Related Links
St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport is a member of Sound Intiative, "A Coalition for Quieter Skies". For more informaiton, please visit their website at http://www.soundinitiative.com
