F.A.R. Part 150 is a voluntary program that U.S. airports may undertake to seek a balance between their operational needs and the noise impacts their operations have on surrounding neighborhoods.   A noise and land use compatibility plan under Federal Airport Aviation Regulation (F.A.R.) Part 150 Noise Compatibility was prepared for KCI during the early 1990’s, based on activity then present and projected through 2013.  During the past 15 years, many changes not anticipated by the previous plan have occurred, necessitating a Part 150 update that was initiated in 2006.

The F.A.R. Part 150 Noise Compatibility Regulation sets out rules and guidelines and authorizes Federal assistance for the preparation of airport noise compatibility programs.  Part 150 provides for the preparation of two types of information: Noise Exposure Maps, which describe existing noise conditions in the Airport area and projected future conditions if no noise abatement actions were taken; and a Noise Compatibility Program, which provides guidelines for the mitigation of existing incompatible land uses and the prevention of development that would introduce new incompatible uses. Together, this information constitutes the Noise Compatibility Plan for the coming 5-10 year period.

Through the course of the noise compatibility study update,

• the existing and future aircraft noise pattern will be described
• the number of residents and noise sensitive public uses will be identified for each pattern
• measures will be assessed to abate noise over existing seriously impacted incompatible uses by working with Air Traffic Controllers and airport users
• measures will be evaluated to prevent the development of new incompatible uses through consultations with Kansas City and Platte County planning and zoning officials
• recommendations will be developed for a comprehensive program of mitigation and preventative measures to protect the utility of the airport for future years and to reduce its potential to adversely effect the quality of life of nearby residents

The process and recommendations of the F.A.R. Part 150 planning process will be reviewed with a Part 150 Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) and Planning Advisory Committee (PAC) at five points during the study, and will be brought to the public for review and comment at several public meetings.  Additionally, a formal Public Hearing will be conducted regarding the final recommendations.