Satellite system worries neighbors

The Airport Working Group has raised concerns that the Federal Aviation Administration has not done enough community outreach or environmental research before implementing a new satellite-based navigation system at John Wayne Airport.

Called DUUKE ONE, the new system allows aircraft to fly a more consistent track down the middle of Upper Newport Bay, aviation officials claim. The system was put in place at John Wayne earlier this month.

Airport activists are worried the new takeoff procedure may increase noise levels from aircraft, meaning more noise pollution for people who live under John Wayne’s flight path, said Tony Khoury, president of the Airport Working Group.

The group took the lead in negotiating a settlement agreement that limits expansion and noise levels at John Wayne Airport.

“What we’re concerned about is that this flight procedure has been implemented too soon with no feedback from the community,” Khoury said.

The group has requested more information from the FAA about DUUKE ONE and how aircraft noise will affect people who live under John Wayne’s flight path, but has gotten no response so far, Khoury said.

FAA officials said Friday that they have received a written letter from the Airport Working Group requesting more information about DUUKE ONE and have forwarded it on to the proper channels.

Newport Beach has hired its own airport consultant who is monitoring takeoffs from John Wayne, said Councilwoman Leslie Daigle.

“We must be vigilant on the impacts of the airport and never taken at face value what federal agencies tell us, so we do our own monitoring,” Daigle said.

The Airport Working Group will host a meeting 6:30 p.m. Oct. 7 in the Friends room at the Newport Beach Central Library, 1000 Avocado Ave., to discuss the new takeoff procedure.

Tom Kamman, a consultant on air traffic issues will speak about the new navigation system.

The FAA spent about 18 months developing DUUKE ONE as part of its nationwide transition to satellite-based navigation.

“The new procedure will not result in higher noise levels at or around the airport,” said Ian Gregor, a spokesman for the Federal Aviation Administration. “To the contrary, planes are flying even more consistent flight tracks than they did in the past. John Wayne is carefully monitoring aircraft noise levels to ensure it’s within the required limitations.”

Planes that use DUUKE ONE fly one-half to three-quarters of a mile out over the ocean before turning left. Some aircraft started turning right around the shoreline before the implementation of the new system.