ROCKVILLE, MARYLAND
July 13, 2016
‘Mr, Michael Huerta
Administrator
Federal Aviation Administration
800 Independence Avenue SW
Washington, DC 20591-0004
Dear Mr. Huerta:
We are writing regarding the unacceptable effects of the recent changes in flight patterns for planes
arriving and departing from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (“DCA”). We appreciate your
June 7, 2016 response to Congressman Van Hollen’s letter dated May 5, 2016 but unfortunately, your
response neither acknowledges the devastating effect of the changes on our constituents’ quality of life, nor
does it discuss any actions the FAA will take to rectify the problem.
As you know, NextGen technology has concentrated flight paths over specific communities. The
cumulative noise from the constant stream of aircraft flying overheard is intolerable. ‘The time between
flights in residential zones is frequently fewer than three minutes with planes flying throughout the day
from 5:00 a.m. to midnight, without pause, Residents living under these flight paths do not sleep well, they
can’t hold conversations in a normal speaking voice, they can’t work from home, they can’t concentrate on
homework, and they can’t open their windows. In short, they are being deprived of their right to quiet
enjoyment of their property. This is simply not an acceptable or equitable situation.
‘We understand, as you mention, that the FAA is collaborating with the Metropolitan Washington
Airports Authority's Reagan National Community Noise Working Group. While the Working Group was
established to identify practical solutions and recommendations regarding aircraft noise affecting
residential areas, no action has yet been taken by the FAA to mitigate the impacts, Residents simply
cannot wait any longer for changes to be made.
We call upon the FAA to take immediate action. We urge a return to pre-NextGen flight patterns
until a solution can be devised that does not ruin the lives of those who live below the current
paths. Residents deserve immediate relief from the intolerable effects of NextGen.
Isiah Leggett
Member of Congress County Executive
wow montgomenycountyend, ov