WHAT’S UP:Locals buzzing over low jets

WHAT:

Low commercial flights over Laguna.

WHAT’S BEHIND IT:

Flights out of John Wayne Airport take off headed out to sea until released by the Federal Aviation Administration to turn back over land. After the closure of the U.S. Marine Air Base at El Toro, some commercial airliners began making the inland turn earlier, flying over Laguna Beach at a lower altitude, which saves time and fuel, but is noisy for residents.

Complaining residents were told that new technology made the earlier release possible. In 2001, city officials and a few concerned citizens met with Federal Aviation Administration brass to express concerns about the problem. They felt that the noise problem resulted from a change in flight paths of departing commercial flights. FAA officials denied any change in the flight paths.

The flights began shortly after 7 a.m., which is when the airport opens, and flew over Laguna at various heights and frequency. If only some of the time, why at all, residents asked?

The city implemented technology to track the flights’ paths and then-Congressman Christopher Cox went to bat for Laguna with the FAA, and the flights were abated.

But periodically, the flights lower the boom on Laguna.

Concentrated complaints to the airport and to the FAA bring temporary relief. Councilwoman Toni Iseman has suggested boycotting airlines that persist in flying low over Laguna.

WHAT NOW:

As if the weather hasn’t been enough aggravation, the noisy, low-altitude morning and evening flights have begun again.

WHAT’S SAID:

“I wake up at 7 a.m. every morning, and I hear the planes,” said Rebecca Meekman, Sawdust Festival community and media relations manager. “We don’t live near the airport. We don’t even live in the hills. We live in North Laguna.

“It’s disruptive and my kids are still sleeping, which is what really bothers me.”

WHAT’S NEXT:

People who are disturbed by the low-altitude commercial flights should call the John Wayne noise abatement number, (949) 252-5185, and the FAA Noise Hotline for the Western Region at (310) 725-3638, or write the FAA Regional Administrator, P.O. Box 92007, Los Angeles, CA, 90009.

The more complaints, the better, city officials say.

Commercial flight information, including take-off time, altitude and destination, can be tracked at https://ocair.com.

-- By Barbara Diamond

QUESTION OF THE WEEK

Does airline traffic over Laguna Beach bother you? Write us at P.O. Box 248, Laguna Beach, CA, 92652, e-mail us at coastlinepilot@latimes.com or fax us at 494-8979. Please give your name and tell us your home address and phone number for verification purposes only.