Albany, New York (September 28, 2000) - - - The Albany County Airport Authority will initiate an update of the Albany International Airport's existing Noise Compatibility Study. The study, to be conducted by Landrum and Brown, Inc., is scheduled to begin on October 2, 2000.

"The Airport's Noise Compatibility Study will enable our continued optimal conformance with Federal Aviation Administration regulations and ensure that Albany International Airport maintains its position as a national leader in airport noise control and land use compatibility," said Rev. Michael A. Farano, Chairman of the Albany County Airport Authority. "This comprehensive study will reinforce Albany's commitment to the community and our Airport neighbors."

The study will include a review of current aircraft flight paths and runway use, and the evaluation of existing noise abatement programs. The study will also determine the level of exposure to households and other facilities that fall within the Airport's "noise footprint," and develop a program to further reduce the impact of Airport noise.

The Albany County Airport Authority will also conduct a series of public meetings to gather input from community groups, businesses and private citizens. Additional public information will be provided throughout the procedure to update the community on the scope and progress of the study.

The level of aircraft noise attributable to the operation of the Airport has decreased considerably during the past five years as Albany's airlines replace their fleet with aircraft equipped with new Stage-3 Turbofan engines. Stage-3 engines, found on an increasing number of Albany aircraft such as Boeing 737's, operate three times quieter than the older, less efficient Stage-2 engines found on earlier 727's and other aircraft.

While the Airport is now attracting a record number of passengers, it is doing so with fewer flights and less noise. The enhanced level of competition brought about with the arrival of Southwest Airlines in May has enabled Albany's major carriers to increase aircraft load factors, thereby allowing fewer planes to carry more passengers. During August of 2000, Albany International Airport recorded a 38% increase in passengers while experiencing a 6% decrease in commercial aircraft landings and departures when compared to August of 1999.

The Airport has long recognized the importance of noise reduction and has worked diligently to observe FAA guidelines while addressing the concerns of Airport neighbors. The Airport has continued its successful program of voluntary property acquisitions within the Airport's "noise footprint." Annually, two to three homes or properties have been acquired voluntarily with federal funds and their occupants relocated through the Federal Noise Compatibility Program.

While most airport noise is caused during takeoffs and landings, Albany International Airport has successfully met the additional challenge of reducing noise from on-site aircraft maintenance facilities. To reduce the noise, the Airport constructed "Hush House," a 150' X 130', U-shaped, aircraft maintenance run-up facility designed by Rensselaer Polytechnic sound engineer Dr. Henry Scarton. The Airport's Hush House utilizes 18,000 bales of hay stacked 22-feet tall to absorb aircraft engine sound before it reaches neighboring homes and businesses. Major airport representatives from across the country have toured the Hush House to learn more of its technology and capability. Hush House has also been featured in the Smithsonian Air and Space Weekly.

The Federal Aviation Administration will assume 80% of the cost of the $414,000 study. The remaining cost will be shared by the State of New York (10%) and the Albany County Airport Authority (10%).

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