Excessive Noise Related to Aircraft
Operations at Marine Corps Base
Hawaii (MCBH)
Presented by the
Windward Coalition
January 2013
1
What Is The
Windward Coalition?
• Hundreds of citizens from Windward
neighborhoods. 14 member executive
committee.
• Goal of maintaining and improving the living conditions of Windward Oahu
residents with most recent focus on noise from MCBH.
• Very supportive of the Marine Corps and MCBH personnel.
• Many members former military. Several members military and civilian
aviators.
• Versed in base & aircraft operations, federal laws and military directives on
environmental protection and noise pollution.
• Active for 12+ months documenting and informing MCBH leadership and
elected officials to address concerns.
2
The Windward Coalition
Online Survey
• Launched in late 2012, 400+ responses thus far
• Aircraft frequently fly near/directly over their homes – 73%
• Homes shake/vibrate when aircraft fly over – 60%
• Noise adversely affecting quality of life – 65%
• Household members have experienced sleep disturbances from aircraft
noise – 53%
• Are concerned about safety issues with current and
future aircraft – 66%
• Kaneohe Bay and Windward Oahu are not suitable locations
for planned increases in aircraft operations – 63%
• Other concerns: impacts to early childhood education, aircraft-related
pollution, negative impact on household pets
3
What Are Our
General Concerns?
• A continuing, increasing
and unacceptable level
of aircraft noise and
pollution tied to MCBH
aircraft operations.
• Lack of aircraft compliance with MCBH documented air
operations policies and procedures.
• Lack of MCBH recognition, response or remediation to
these issues.
4
What Are Our
Specific Concerns?
CH-53
• Issue #1: Excessive noise in Aikahi and Kaimalino from
helicopters transiting to/from MCBH.
UH-1
• Issue #2: Excessive noise on east side of Kaneohe Bay from
MCBH helicopters.
CH-47
• Issue #3: Excessive noise on south & southwest side of
Kaneohe Bay from MCBH Runway 04 traffic.
U-60
• Issue #4: Excessive noise and pollution from engine run-ups,
testing and hover checks.
P-3
• Issue #5: Excessive noise and impacts to recreational use of
Kaneohe Bay caused by aircraft training in Kaneohe Bay.
C-17
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What Are Military Airfield Arrival and
Departure Procedures?
• Prescribed flight profiles for arriving and departing an
airfield.
• To manage safety, efficiency, noise abatement and
other factors. Developed in conjunction with civilian
authorities (i.e. FAA).
• Required for compliance with NEPA, Air Installation
Compatible Use Zone Guide and DoD/DoN directives.
• Routinely established at military and civilian airports. Pilots risk sanctions
for failing to comply.
• Variances allowed in an emergency, for safety, or with prior permission
from air traffic controllers.
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Why Don’t Pilots Comply With
Documented Procedures at MCBH?
• Not instructed by air traffic
controllers to follow procedures
• Procedures not understood
• Not policed by air traffic controllers
or base leadership
• No penalty for not complying
• Not a priority
• Don’t care
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Excessive Noise From Helicopters Outbound From MCBH
Helicopter
landing area 101
Documented and Approved Route: Flight should be
from H3 gate, over north side of Nuupia Ponds and
outbound from MCBH at 800 feet.
Issue #1: Excessive Noise in Aikahi and Kaimalino:
Aircraft are flying on south side of Nuupia Ponds
outbound from MCBH well below 800 feet.
MCBH Documented and Approved Route
Common Route – Not Documented or Approved
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Excessive Noise From Aircraft Inbound To MCBH
Helicopter
landing area 101
Documented and Approved Route: Flight should be on north side of
Nuupia Ponds inbound to MCBH at 600 foot altitude with descent
and landing clear of Kaneohe Bay Drive residents.
Issue #2: Excessive Noise Over
Eastern Kaneohe Bay: Aircraft are
descending & turning over Kaneohe
Bay Drive residents.
MCBH Documented and Approved Route
Issue #1: Excessive Noise in Aikahi and
Kaimalino: Aircraft are flying on south
side of Nuupia Ponds inbound to MCBH
well below 600 foot altitude.
Common Route - Not Documented Nor Approved
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Excessive Noise From Runway 04 Traffic Pattern
Issue #3: Excessive Noise From
Runway 04 Traffic: Aircraft are
extending downwind and base
legs flying over civilian population
and Coconut Island.
Runway 04
Documented and Approved Route:
Turn base to final approach inside of
Coconut Island.
MCBH Documented and Approved Route
Common Route - Not Documented Nor Approved
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Excessive Noise From Engine Run-Ups, Testing & Hover Checks
Proposed location & hours: Runway 04 run-up area
facing heading 040 to 090 limited to 0800-1800 hours.
Longer term solution also includes adding blast fence.
Proposed location and hours: North end of base
facing heading 040 limited to 0800-1800 hours.
Current
Proposed
Issue #4: Noise & Pollution From Engine Run-Ups and Testing: Current location and 24/7 hour
operations create maximum noise and pollution for civilian population.
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Excessive Noise From Engine Run-Ups, Testing & Hover Checks
Proposed locations & hours: Hover checks to
be conducted at mid-field helipads between
0800-1800 hours.
Proposed: Hover checks to be conducted at other
helipads only due to operational necessity and
only between 0800-1800 hours.
Proposed: Hover checks at Pad 101
permanently eliminated.
Current
Proposed
Issue #4: Noise & Pollution From Engine Run-Ups, Testing and Hover Checks: Pad 101 location,
duration and 24/7 operations of hover checks create maximum noise and pollution for civilian
population and is specifically prohibited under MCBH policy.
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Excessive Noise and Impacted Public Access to Kaneohe Bay
Proposed operation:
Decreases noise for civilian
population and enhances
public recreational use of
Kaneohe Bay
Current
Proposed
Issue #5: Aircraft train over water
south of MCBH: Maximizes noise
and restriction of public recreational
use of Kaneohe Bay.
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Windward Coalition Actions
• Calls to MCBH, FAA and other agencies regarding aircraft noise
• Public awareness advertising
• Online survey
• Letters to MCBH leadership
• Copies of letters to MCBH senior echelons and
legislators
• Letters and outreach to local legislators
• Letters and outreach to federal legislators
• Letter to General, Marine Forces Pacific
• Letter from Hawaii’s local legislators to Hawaii congressional
delegation requesting investigation
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Primary Goals: Straight-forward solutions that do not
compromise MCBH mission readiness, training objectives,
safety or efficiency while improving the quality of life for
MCBH neighbors.
1.
Tenant and transient aircraft to adhere to published directives
2.
Modification of engine run-up, testing and hover check policies
3.
Modification of Kaneohe Bay over-water helicopter training location
4.
Sanctions for tenant and transient aircraft not following approved
procedures
5.
Sanctions for air traffic controllers not enforcing approved procedures
6.
Periodic joint review of noise issues by MCBH leadership and Windward
Coalition board
7.
Joint consultation and review of changes to aircraft operating policies by
MCBH and Windward Coalition board
15
Thank You!
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