Charlotte Douglas International Airport

The meeting focused on analysis and support requests, specifically regarding an arrival altitude recommendation of 6,000 feet until the final approach course, which the group voted to move forward for a full analysis. Additionally, the group discussed the process for narrowing down a list of 20 collective groupings for analysis, including establishing a timeline and feedback process for prioritizing these items in preparation for future meetings.

The meeting included discussions on updated population data for the Metropolitan Statistical Area to be used in future analysis. The roundtable reviewed slate recommendations, specifically analyzing the impact of changing departure headings and utilizing multiple divergent departure headings on noise dispersion and operations. There was also a detailed discussion regarding the planning for collective analysis of recommendations and potential combinations of measures. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to a new business request to investigate raising arrival altitudes to 6,000 feet, which was approved for further analysis despite potential impacts on the submission timeline. Additionally, the group addressed written updates on North Flow versus South Flow decision-making, community engagement efforts, and an update on the FAA submittal work schedule.

The board discussed potential noise mitigation strategies, specifically the feasibility of maintaining a 6,000-foot arrival altitude until final approach. Technical consultants provided an analysis of flight path data and potential impacts on throughput and noise distribution. Further discussion focused on collective groupings of various noise recommendations to model their interaction. Updates were provided on the FAA submittal schedule, community engagement efforts, and the launch of a new Government Engagement Project Team.

The board reviewed semi-annual complaint statistics and discussed strategies for 2019, including local and national actions. Technical consultants presented an analysis on altitude-based turns and their impact on noise dispersion, capacity, and flight operations. The roundtable also addressed the development of a voluntary letter to airlines regarding nighttime operations, provided an update on strategic benchmarking, and held a discussion on the environmental impact study as it relates to divergent departure headings.

The roundtable discussed a slate of seven recommendations for potential noise abatement and operational procedures at the airport, including altitude-based departures, divergent headings, noise abatement profiles, and arrival rail adjustments. A decision was made to analyze these items individually and collectively, with the addition of a continuous descent approach evaluation. Strategic discussions focused on improving community engagement, coordinating with city leadership regarding airport governance, and increasing awareness of the roundtable's efforts through media outreach. Operational updates were provided regarding runway renovations, a voluntary curfew initiative, and progress on retrofitting aircraft with vortex generators.