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FAA Will Reconvene Navigation Working Group to Review Sky Harbor Flight Path As a Result of Stanton, Gallego Meeting
The top official for the Federal Aviation Administration will reconvene the group that recommended recent changes to the flight paths of air traffic in and out of Sky Harbor International Airport after a meeting this week with Mayor Greg Stanton and U.S. Rep. Ruben Gallego.
The Performance Based Navigation Group will seek a new departure path that mitigates disruption to Phoenix’s residential neighborhoods. When the group reconvenes in February, though, FAA Administrator Michael Huerta said it will include Stanton or a representative from his office.
Stanton and Gallego met with Huerta and FAA officials in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday. The two, along with the Phoenix City Council and local residents, have pushed the FAA to make changes to the new route.
“I appreciate administrator Michael Huerta taking the time to meet with us to discuss the serious noise problems caused by the flight path rerouting at the Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport,” Gallego said. He added, “With the help of this working group we will continue looking for ways to address the problem and restore much needed and deserved peace and quiet to the citizens of Phoenix.”
Changes to the Sky Harbor flight path were made as a part of the FAA’s NextGen program. Stanton said that although he supports NextGen’s goals, flight path changes should be made through a process that includes local input — especially when it negatively impacts residents and neighborhoods.
“I am encouraged that the FAA will begin the process to change the path that is disruptive to Phoenix neighborhoods,” Stanton said. “I’ll continue to push this issue and pressure the FAA to do what’s right until we have a solution that works for our residents.”
