When the Loudoun Aircraft Noise Mitigation Committee (LANMC) formed in July, 2022, the refrain we always heard from Loudoun County leadership was that they had no input on where planes fly over county residents. But we held many meetings and sent many emails to convince them there was something the county could do. So we are grateful that the Board of Supervisors listened and is now moving forward to explore solutions with Dulles Airport and the FAA.

Last week, the County Administrator sent a letter to the head of the FAA to request someone in the FAA's Eastern Region be assigned to meet with the county regarding flight path changes. They are also scheduling a meeting with the aviation consultant we recommended to develop these airspace solutions.

Though the Board of Supervisors voted in January to approve the updated Airport Impact Overlay District (AIOD), they did make several changes that improved this legislation over previous AIOD versions. Most notably, they carved out areas in the LDN 65+ noise contour where homes already exist and designated those areas as LDN 60-65. Not only does that more accurately reflect current noise levels, it also keeps existing homes out of a noise contour where residential construction is prohibited elsewhere in the county. The revised legislation also called for the county to begin meetings with the FAA and Dulles Airport to seek flight path revisions from Runway 30. 

Though LANMC disagreed with the Board of Supervisors' decision to approve the AIOD because it's based on unrealistic and inaccurate data, we are pleased to see county leadership keep its commitment to pursue flight path changes.

We will post updates as they become available.