Community Commentary: Adjust DUUKE as we go

I want to respond to my constituents’ concerns about the initial departure procedure called DUUKE ONE. The procedure is for jets going east of Las Vegas — a little less than half of all flights leaving John Wayne Airport.

There may have been past Orange County people who’ve made promises on airport issues to Newport Beach citizens that were not kept. This was long before my time but may create issues today.

We are here now in 2010 where all individuals are trying to use modern technology to improve flight activities, including safety and fuel efficiency.

DUUKE ONE utilizing modern airborne technologies did not work.

Everyone involved from the city of Newport Beach, JWA, the Federal Aviation Administration, the pilots to the tower people have a commitment to make procedures work. In the spirit of that commitment, DUUKE TWO came about.

We appreciate the FAA acknowledging the legitimacy of our concerns (planes flying tracks east of Noise Monitor Seven) and reacting to those concerns by proposing DUUKE TWO. During the process of developing DUUKE TWO, the FAA was more than cordial and the airport was equally helpful.

Meetings involving Newport Beach citizens and the FAA have been a rare occurrence. We must continue to build constructive dialogue.

DUUKE TWO was to go into effect April 8 and airlines are uploading FAA-developed software into their flight navigation systems. The airport is gathering and analyzing data to assess the performance of DUUKE TWO. They will be making a report on DUUKE TWO at the Citizens Aviation Committee.

If DUUKE TWO has shortcomings that creates unacceptable performance for everybody then the city, the airport and the FAA will revisit and refine it.

I reside in the Bluffs and my office is on Bayside Drive at the foot of Balboa Island. I hear the noise from the jets. I continue to appreciate the ongoing involvement of our citizens. I will be reporting back to you in the next few weeks on the results of DUUKE TWO.

LESLIE DAIGLE is a member of the Newport Beach City Council and chair of the Citizens Aviation Advisory Committee.