SAT RUNWAY USE

San Antonio International Airport (SAT) Runway use is determined by several factors including safety, weather, traffic demand, runway capacity, aircraft destination, runway length requirements, and prescribed runway use procedures. Air Traffic Control (ATC) assigns runway (RWY) use with consideration to all of these factors. Capacity needs at SAT require the ATC to utilize at least two runways (RWY 13R/31L, 4/22) during much of the day. It is noted that wind and weather conditions are two of the key components used to determine which flow pattern is used.

NOISE AND OPERATIONS MONITORING SYSTEM (NOMS)

The San Antonio International Airport (SAT) has installed a Noise and Operations Monitoring System (NOMS) which collects noise and flight tracking data. The current NOMS operates ANOMS software. The NOMS consists of Noise Monitoring Terminals (NMT), flight track data, and noise inquires. The NOMS monitors aircraft over-flying local neighborhoods and communities and notes their noise levels. Each NMT is linked to ANOMS that is constantly updated with the latest flight, weather, and noise data. The NOMS was installed to provide noise and flight tracking data to the Noise Office. The NOMS provides an objective tool for assessing and analyzing airport noise impacts to support investigating noise inquiries from the community.

GROUND RUN-UP ENCLOSURE (GRE)

The Ground Run-Up Enclosure (GRE) is located on Airport property near the intersection of Runways 13L/31R and 4/22. This structure allows aircraft to perform maintenance engine checks with minimal disturbance to nearby neighborhoods and communities. This facility can accommodate large air aircraft, up to a B-747. The GRE was completed and put into service in May 2002.

There is no cost for use of the facility because it provides an economic resource allowing aircraft maintenance on a 7 day a week 24 hour a day basis while at the same time lowering aviation noise impact on adjacent neighborhoods and communities.

Noise test of the GRE reduced a Boeing 727 engine run-up noise by 16.3 dB at 400 feet, and a 16-db reduction in aircraft noise levels from the use of the facility over open-air engine runs.

NOISE ABATEMENT DEPARTURE PROFILES

The Federal Aviation Administration published FAA AC91-53A to provide guidance to commercial aircraft for development of voluntary standardized Noise Abatement Departure Procedures (NADPs) for subsonic turbojet airplanes with a max takeoff weight exceeding 75,000 pounds.

The Residential Acoustical Treatment Program (RATP) is a tool in the airport’s effort to address noise concerns. While the program is a noise mitigation tool it is under the management of the Airport’s Engineering and Planning Division. Contact for determination of eligibility for the program, scheduling of treatment priority and specific contract related question should be addressed to Joshua Heiss at 210.361.9632

Under the 1991 Noise Compatibility Program (NCP) recommendations, a total of 10 schools, 19 religious facilities, 1 library and 2 nursing homes have been acoustically treated. The average improvement was 25dB at a total cost of $7.9 million.

As of October 16, 2019, 1,576 single family residences, 332 condominium units and 1,399 apartment units have been acoustically treated, at a cost of $125.3 Million. Six (6) additional single-family homes are scheduled to begin acoustical treatment in February 2020. All other eligible homes within the current 65 dB day/night contour and neighborhood equity areas, whose owners were interested in participating in the program, have already been treated.

NEWER QUIETER AIRCRAFT

Over the years, aircraft have become quieter as national and international regulations have mandated the development of new technologies. SAT has always capitalized on the introduction of quieter aircraft types through local regulations and other methods to attract newer planes to the South Texas Area. Those efforts have come to fruition now that all large aircraft in the U.S. meet the quietest existing noise standard known as Stage 3. Previous Stage 1 and 2 commercial aircraft over 75,000 pounds takeoff weight have been phased out of operation here. Efforts continue to develop quieter technology.

AIRPORT AWARENESS ZONE

The City of San Antonio Development Services and Zoning Department has established Airport Awareness Zones surrounding both San Antonio International and Stinson Municipal Airports. These boundaries require all development and zoning changes to be reviewed by the Aviation Department to help maintain compatible land uses.

All formal applications for zoning changes have specific language stating that cases within these Airport Awareness Zones are to be reviewed by the Aviation Department and may require additional days for proper review.

PILOT AWARENESS PROGRAM

This program enhances pilot awareness of noise-sensitive areas and noise abatement procedures by providing information for Jeppesen charts, airline pilot manuals, and fixed based operator information.

The objective of this measure is to maximize the benefits of the noise abatement measures. Most pilots operating at SAT in multi-engine or jet aircraft and many of those operating in single engine aircraft subscribe to a service which provides regular updates to a reference manual on instrument procedures in use at airports.  The Jeppesen-Sanderson, Inc produces this type of publication. These types of inserts have been a very successful means of educating pilots on the details of noise abatement procedures at other locations.

All proposed language must be submitted and approved by the FAA for review prior to any publication. The location of, and language contained in, any airport signage must be also be pre-approved by the FAA.