Newport Coast under the flight path

June Casagrande

Newport Coast residents are complaining that flight noise over

their homes is getting worse. And while aviation industry officials

say the problem is caused by private planes, others say Long Beach is

the source of the noise.

At a recent candidate forum, several residents of Newport Coast

complained that there had been a noticeable increase in flights over

their homes, particularly in the Ocean Ridge development.

“I think it’s real. I don’t think it’s imagined,” said Gerry Ross,

a member of the Newport Coast Advisory Committee, which represents

residents to the city.

A spokeswoman for John Wayne Airport said there have been no

flights added there in recent months.

Federal Aviation Administration spokesman Jerry Snyder said that

his agency has not made any route changes for commercial flights in

the area. Thus, he said, private flights are probably the culprit.

But changes to air space rules and the rapid addition of

commercial flights at Long Beach Airport are the likely explanation,

said Tom Naughton, president of the Airport Working Group.

In July, after Measure W’s defeat at the polls, the FAA opened up

the air space around the closed El Toro Marine Air Base.

To approach Long Beach Airport, just 15 nautical miles away, these

flights can now go over a portion of Newport Coast.

“I believe this is the proverbial tip of the iceberg,” said Rick

Taylor, an Airport Working Group member who ran unsuccessfully for

City Council. “As air transportation continues to grow, you’re going

to see more and more flights vectored through that area.” The

extension of the John Wayne Airport Settlement Agreement, which has

been approved by the city of Newport Beach and the county, allows the

airport to eventually increase the number of passengers allowed each

year from 8.4 million to 9.8 million.

When that does happen, it’s possible that regulators of commercial

flights might choose to reroute some flights to take advantage of the

open airspace over El Toro.

Ross said he was considering asking the city to help look into

where the flights are coming from and what can be done to reduce the

noise.

Costa Mesa residents have been dealing with a similar dilemma.

Though they have reported a large increase in the number of flights

over their homes, no governing body takes responsibility for the

problem. Private flights to and from Long Beach Airport are believed

to be a significant contributor, but authorities at that airport,

just as those at John Wayne, won’t confirm that the flights are from

their site.

* JUNE CASAGRANDE covers Newport Beach and John Wayne Airport.

She may be reached at (949) 574-4232 or by e-mail at

june.casagrande@latimes.com.