New Panel to Address Noise Issue at Airport

VAN NUYS — Stymied by a 30-year debate over noise versus economic issues at Van Nuys Airport, a committee is working to hammer out a compromise.

Formation of the committee was announced after more than 250 people with clashing agendas packed a meeting Tuesday of the airport’s Citizens Advisory Council, a 15-member body representing aviation, business and homeowner interests but dominated by the homeowner advocates.

The committee is a separate body created by a homeowner group leader and a representative of aviation business.

After listening to more than two hours of testimony Monday, the advisory council voted to recommend that the Board of Airport Commissioners and Los Angeles City Council reject a proposed ordinance that would ban any more of the noisiest class of private jets from being based at Van Nuys Airport.

The issue will be discussed Tuesday by airport commissioners, who were asked by a City Council committee to review the economic impact of the proposed ban. The commissioners are expected to send a recommendation to the council committee on Dec. 9.

Aviation interests have been working feverishly to block adoption of the ban.

Many advisory council members said they support the concept of the proposed ban but that the economic impact and operating details need further study. The majority in the audience were aviation supporters who said their businesses or jobs would be jeopardized by the limitations.

Despite years of discussion, no agreement has been reached on how to reduce noise from airport operations without financially hurting aviation businesses.

In a separate motion late Tuesday, the advisory council endorsed a proposal to extend by one hour a curfew on takeoffs and landings by noisier jets--those classed by the FAA as “stage 2” aircraft--usually older planes built before development of quieter engines.

Most aviation businesses already have reluctantly agreed to that change. A separate proposal to extend the curfew to helicopters--the target of many homeowner complaints--was not discussed. The curfew issue also will be heard by airport commissioners Tuesday.

Formation of an independent committee at Van Nuys Airport was revealed by Don Schultz, president of the Van Nuys Homeowners Assn. Schultz said he conceived the plan last week with Harold Lee, president of the Van Nuys Airport Assn., which represents aviation businesses. The pair said they have each appointed three other members who will work together privately to negotiate an agreement.

Schultz said the first meeting will be held Monday at a private location and discussions will continue weekly until a compromise or alternatives are developed.