Planes 'to reset climate targets'

The UK may have to cut emissions of greenhouse gases by 90% by 2050 so the aviation sector can continue to grow. That is the warning from the government's official climate advisers, the Climate Change Committee (CCC).It would mean even bigger cuts than the 80% drop on 1990 levels already planned for households and industry in Britain. But the committee also says global aviation emissions should be capped during the forthcoming Copenhagen climate talks. The committee was asked by government to advise on what should be done about emissions from aviation.In a letter to the Transport Secretary Lord Adonis and the Climate Secretary Ed Miliband, the committee says the aviation industry will have to cut emissions from planes back to their 2005 level by 2050. That is much more permissive than the overall UK target of cutting emissions 80% on 1990 levels by 2050.The failure of aviation to play its full part could mean that the rest of the economy has to reduce its emissions by 90% instead of 80%. This 90% target is so ambitious that it might be easier for some sectors to make the leap to zero carbon emissions rather than trying to whittle down pollution decade by decade. And some analysts think this might be an easier and cheaper approach than reaching a 90% cut in stages.The optionsThe committee members see alternatives.Planes, they say, might use biofuels or aviation might cut emissions below 2005 levels through new technology.Plane operators might also be able to buy emissions permits in international emissions trading.But all of these options carry difficulties of their own. Biofuels compete with crops for land and are already in demand for fuelling cars.And it looks to be a huge task for aviation to restrict emissions to 2005 levels, even without trying to go further.And the emissions trading system in which rich countries pay poor ones to clean up their pollution may prove to be a stop-gap solution which could be defunct by 2050.The CCC's recommendations are designed to reduce aviation emissions in line with a global reduction in emissions of all greenhouse gases of 50% by 2050. It says that, if left unchecked, global aviation could account for 15-20% of all the manmade CO2 produced in 2050.The committee advises that:All CO2 emissions from aviation should be capped, either through a global aviation deal or by including international aviation emissions in national emission reduction targets;Any international agreement to reduce emissions should be no less than the EU's target of a 5% reduction in net emissions from 2013-2020;Emissions allowances for aviation in the EU emissions trading scheme, says the CCC, should be fully auctioned to prevent windfall profits for airlines;Funds should be found for radical innovation in engine, airframe and fuel echnology;Additional non-CO2 gases from aviation are contributing to global warming. The effects of these should beaddressed within a global deal on aviation.The CCC's Chief Executive David Kennedy said: "It is vital that an agreement capping global aviation emissions is partof a Copenhagen deal."We are calling for a cap that would not require people to fly less than today, but would constrain aviation emissions growth going forward." The right-leaning think-tank Policy Exchange recently proposed that world production of sustainable biofuels should be diverted from cars to planes in order to overcome the lack of current breakthrough technologies in aviation. By Roger HarrabinBBC Environment Analyst http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/8243922.stm

Posted by on 24 September 2009 | 12:38 am

Airspace Redesign Update

Dear Friends and Elected Officials,Michael Kelly is the Managing Partner of the firm's Delaware office and was retained by State Senator Catherine Cloutier to represent the interests of residents living in Northern Delaware. We thank Cathy and the McCarter team for all of their hard work Please stay tuned as we learn more about the FAA plans to redesign the Class B airspace in and around the Philadelphia Airport.Stephen Donatowww.phl-caw.orgAll:Attached is a Request for Rehearing that was filed yesterday in the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals. The Request asks the Court for a rehearing of the Court's June 10 decision denying our petition. The Request was filed by 3 (of the original 11) co-petitioners and presents the following arguments in favor of a rehearing:(1) The June 10 decision overlooks the Supreme Court's decision in Citizens to Preserve Overton Park v. Volpe, 401 U.S. 402 (1971) regarding FAA's responsibilities under Section 4(f) of the DOT Act of 1966, 49 USC Sec. 303(c).(2) The Court misapprehended the law of waiver in this Circuit and the overlooked important facts in the record in holding that Petitioners had "forfeited" their claim that FAA had failed to adequately consult with state and local park officials regarding "at least 236 properties that petitioners say may be affected . . .because "no one raised it during the administrative proceeding."(3) The Court's decision misapprehended public participation requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act ( NEPA), 42 U.S.C. 4321 et. seq. and overlooked the decisions of this Circuit regarding the rule of prejudicial error in holding that the FAA was not obligated to allow for public comment on important noise impact analysis only first released with the September 5, 2007 Record of Decision (ROD).(4) The proceeding involves issues of exceptional importance to the public affected by the redesign project because panel excused the FAA's failure to comply with important procedural protections under Section 4(f) and NEPA depriving the 30 million people living in the 31,180 square miles of the five affected states from fully participating in a decision that affects the noise they experience and the parks they enjoy.I will send you the FAA's and Court's responses when I receive them. Please forward this to anyone I may have left out of this email.TedTheodore Annos // AssociateMcCARTER & ENGLISH, LLPRenaissance Centre, 405 N. King Street, 8th Floor // Wilmington, Delaware 19801 Direct: 302-984-6317 Fax: 302-220-4610 tannos@mccarter.com // www.mccarter.comBOSTON // HARTFORD // NEW YORK // NEWARK // PHILADELPHIA // STAMFORD // WILMINGTON

Posted by on 24 July 2009 | 12:47 am

FAA Airspace Redesign Oral Argument -- Monday, May 11, 2009

Dear Friends and Elected Officials,Please see commentary below sent from McCarter & English, LLP. Michael Kelly is the Managing Partner of the firm's Delaware office and was retained by State Senator Catherine Cloutier to represent the interests of residents living in Northern Delaware. We thank Cathy and the McCarter team for all the hard work they have done for all of us who have not had voice in this process until they got involved. If you are interested in attending the hearing please see the attached PDF of the train schedule for the morning of the 11th.Stephen Donatowww.phl-caw.orgAll: A reminder that oral argument for our consolidated appeal of the FAA's Airspace Redesign is scheduled for Monday, May 11 at 9:30 at the courthouse for the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit, 333 Constitution Ave NW, Washington, DC. The argument will last approximately one-hour, with each side getting 30 minutes to address the following three issues that were raised in our briefing: (1) NEPA; (2) Section 4(f), 49 U.S.C. sec. 7506; and (3) Clean Air Act, 42 U.S.C. sec. 750. Those issues will be argued in that order per the court's instruction. Getting to this point and the process for this complex and multi-state, multi faceted appeal has been arduous. As you are all aware, this appeal involves thousands of constituents across five states. Many of the petitioners have positions that are aligned with ours for purposes of challenging the FAA's Record of Decisions regarding the airspace redesign. To that end, the court determined to limit the time of the appellant arguments on the issues as a whole to 30 minutes. Further, the Court has decided that in the interest of time and coherence, it will not permit all 40 of the lawyers involved to make an argument. Simply, the Court, and the global committee, with the Court's guidance, have selected three individuals to present argument to the Court. At the Court's direction, these decisions were guided by the size of the geographic area represented, the complexity of the issues presented by a particular area, and the knowledge that no argument on behalf of any petitioner would be waived merely because each and every argument had not been addressed orally in Court. Unfortunately, not only for us, but for the co-petitioners as a whole, Mike will not be arguing. Presenting oral argument on Monday on behalf of all petitioners will be as follows: 1. Attorney General for Connecticut, Richard Blumenthal - AG Blumenthal will be making the NEPA argument. He is a five-term Attorney General, and a former state Senator, state Representative, and U.S. Attorney. He has argued several cases before the U.S. Supreme Court and the court that we are presently before. You can view his bio at: http://www.ct.gov/ag/cwp/view.asp?A=2178&Q=295440 1. Larry Liebesman - Larry will be making the Section 4(f) argument. He is a former FAA lawyer, and has practiced before the appellate court in DC for close to 40 years. Larry represents Rockland County NY, and all its constituency including certain nature preserves. You can view his bio at: http://www.hklaw.com/id77/extended1/biosLLIEBESM/ 2. Barbara Lichman - Barbara will be making the Clean Air Act argument. She is an attorney who specializes in aviation issues. She has argued many of these cases nationwide. She represents Delaware County, and for purposes of our appeal here, their position is aligned precisely with ours. She will mention our case specific issue, historic preservation, during her argument. You can view her bio at: http://www.calairlaw.com/Lichman.htm If any of you are planning to attend, I would suggest getting there early as there is limited seating. The courtroom itself probably won't open until around 9:00, but I'm sure it's going to fill up quickly. Ted Theodore W. Annos // AssociateMcCARTER & ENGLISH, LLPmcarterRenaissance Centre, 405 N. King Street, 8th Floor // Wilmington, Delaware 19801Direct: 302-984-6317Fax: 302-220-4610tannos@mccarter.com // www.mccarter.comBOSTON // HARTFORD // NEW YORK // NEWARK // PHILADELPHIA // STAMFORD // WILMINGTON

Posted by on 6 May 2009 | 10:20 pm

The Song Remains the Same?

Happy Holidays, The U.S. Army Corp of Engineers has reopened the comment period to deepen the Delaware River shipping channel by 5 ft.The comment period was opened Dec17. and closes Dec. 31? Even the FAA and the FERC gives 90 days to comment on large federally funded projects that need to permitted in accordance with NEPA. Assuming you have been a subscriber to this list for sometime you are probably asking what does the deepening have to do with PHL operations or expansion? Well a large portion of the spoils from the proposed deepening project will be used to fill in the 25 acres required to add the third 9100 ft. runway at PHL. If the new runway is approved the airport will have to possibly build new dredge disposal facility for the corp, new FAA control tower, and UPS . How Cozy!!It has also been reported that Delaware environmental officials from have been in contact with the Army Corp. and the subject of these meetings have not been made public. We are requesting that Army Corp extend the comment period for at least 90 days, hold a series of public meetings to review the revised information with the general public, and release and make public all correspondence with Delaware environmental officials in the past 90 days. Delaware River Keeper recent press release.Comments should be directed to: Mr. Minas M. Arabatzis, ATTN: Environmental ResourcesBranch, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Wanamaker Building, 100 Penn Square East, Philadelphia, Pa. 19107-3390.Stephen Donatowww.phl-caw.org

Posted by on 24 December 2008 | 10:18 pm

What is and what should never be - Comment period ends Nov. 10th , 2008

Dear Friends and Elected Officials,With all of the attention that has been focused on the recent release of GAO audit of the NY/NJ/PHL Airspace Redesign it seems the media has overlooked the fact the FAA plans to hold another round of public meetings to outline the release of a DIES for the Philadelphia Airport Capacity Enhancement Program (PHL-CEP.) The meetings, which will be held four of five nights next week will discuss the DEIS and public hearings for official public comment are scheduled for October. In fact, Tuesday's scheduled meeting for Delaware will be held on primary election night. Which most likely will keep many of Delaware's public officials away and unable to attend. It is also puzzling how the FAA can continue with permitting the CEP since briefs challenging the Airspace Redesign's NEPA process were just filed on the 25th of August.See snip from PHL-CEP website below:"The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has revised the schedule for issuance of the Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) Capacity Enhancement Program (CEP) Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) so that they can update the baseline condition and analysis of potential cumulative impacts to reflect the FAA’s recent decision approving the NY/NJ/PHL Airspace Redesign Project."So with the upcoming elections to be held in November maybe it is time for the media not to focus on who is the "rock star" candidate or what candidate's child is having a baby. Maybe it is time for all to start asking our elected officials why was the GAO audit delayed until after briefs had to be filed? Why is the permitting for CEP moving forward as the airspace litigation is still pending ? Please attend a public meeting in your area and remember to also submit comments at the public hearings in October.Stephen Donatowww.phl-caw.orgSchedule: Information Session6:00 PM: Doors open, project posters available for viewing and EIS team available for questions.7 - 8 PM: Presentation8 - 9 PM: Question and Answer SessionPlease note: Times and meeting content at each meeting will be the same.Locations:Monday, September 8, 2008 6:00 – 9 PMTinicum School, gymnasium91 Seneca StreetEssington, PA, 19029Tuesday, September 9, 2008 6:00 – 9 PMHanby Middle School, auditorium2523 Berwyn RoadWilmington, DE 19810Wednesday, September 10, 2008 6:00 – 9 PMEastwick at the Meadows6630 Lindbergh BoulevardPhiladelphia, PA 19153Thursday, September 11, 2008 6:00 – 9 PMPaulsboro High School, auditorium670 North Delaware StreetPaulsboro, NJ 08066Schedule: Public Hearing6:00-7:00 PM Doors open, project posters available for viewing and EIS Team available to answer questions.Public Hearing: 7:00-9:00 PMLocations:Monday, October 20, 2008 6:00-9:00 PMHanby Middle School, auditorium2523 Berwyn RoadWilmington, DE 19810Tuesday, October 21, 2008 6:00-9:00 PMPaulsboro High School, auditorium670 North Delaware StreetPaulsboro, NJ 08066Wednesday, October 22, 2008 6:00-9:00 PMTinicum School, gymnasium91 Seneca StreetEssington, PA 19029Thursday, October 23, 2008 6:00-9:00 PMEastwick at the Meadows6630 Lindbergh BoulevardPhiladelphia, PA 19153GAO Report On Airspace Redesign Incomplete

Posted by on 4 September 2008 | 2:19 am

PHL Noise Compatibility Program Update Study Community Workshops

Please see forwarded information below regarding the Part 150 update meetings that are to be held this week. I would also like mention that the 17-35 extension is scheduled to be opened this year and Capacity Enhancement meetings are to be scheduled for this fall. RNP SAAAR – RF Turns (pictured above) used for approaching aircraft noise abatement. Regarding the Airspace Redesign. We finally have a briefing schedule. Opening briefs are due on August 1. The "Joint Petitioner Group" is dividing up each of the many subject matters of the appeal. So as you can see things are going to be heating up this summer. Please stay tuned. Stephen Donatowww.phl-caw.org -------- Original Message -------- From: contact@phlpart150update.com Subject: PHL Noise Compatibility Program Update Study Community Workshops To: You are receiving this email because you provided your email address when you signed in at the first PHL Noise Compatibility Program Community Workshop in November 2007. Attached is a flyer about five upcoming Community Workshops we have scheduled for this important study. Please forward it along to any individual or group that you think may be interested. Meeting dates and locations are as follows. All meetings will be held from 6:00 pm until 8:00 pm and are in an open house format. Date Location Tuesday, June 17, 2008 Paulsboro Volunteer Fire Association1502 Swedesboro Ave.Paulsboro, NJ Wednesday, June 18, 2008 Tinicum SchoolFirst & Seneca StreetsEssington, PA Thursday, June 19, 2008 Claymont Community Center3301 Green StreetClaymont, DE Tuesday, June 24, 2008 Cherry Hill Public Library1100 Kings Highway NorthCherry Hill, NJ Wednesday, June 25, 2008 Mercy Wellness Center2821 Island AvenuePhiladelphia, PA Philadelphia International Airport: Still Sucking After All These Years

Posted by on 17 June 2008 | 8:36 pm

Specter to hold airspace hearing Friday April 25 at Constitution Center

I wonder if any emissions data will be provided to Senator Specter and Mayor Nutter? See agenda and 17-35 DEIS emissions data below. The reality is PHL is one the largest single point source producers of hazardous air pollutants in the region. Yet FAA continues to permit new gates and runways. In fact, EPA or local DEP can not regulate emissions or control growth at any airport in the USA. The hearing is scheduled for 11 AM and is open to the public. Please attend if you have the time. Paid parking is available at the Holiday Inn on 4th Street or at the underground garage on 5th.Stephen Donatowww.phl-caw.org Hazardous Air Pollutants (HAPS) Short tons per Year Philadelphia International Airport From 17-35 DEIS Pollutant 2003 2007 Alt. 1 Increase from 2003 2015 Alt. 1 Increase from 2003 Formaldehyde 30.1 74.4 148% 122.4 306% Acetaldehyde 9.3 22.9 147% 37.6 304% Benzene 12.8 19.4 52% 26.3 105% Toluene 18.8 21.2 11% 22.5 12% Acrolein 3.9 10.5 169% 17.7 353% 1,3-Butadiene 4.5 9.7 115% 15.5 240% Xylene 14.3 16.8 15% 18.8 23% Lead Naphthalene 1.1 2.7 60% 4.4 300% Propionaldehyde 2.1 4.9 57% 8 300% Ethylbenzene 4.3 5.2 17% 5.9 37% Styrene 0.9 2 55% 3.3 267% n-Hexane 3.6 3.9 8% 4 5% 2,2,4-Trimethylpentane 7.3 7.5 3% 7.2 Total 113 201.1 78% 293.6 160% Aircraft Operations 445,967 528,400 616,000 18 % percent increase in capacity means over 78% increase in hazardous air pollutants for 528,000 operations 38 % percent increase in capacity means over 160% increase in hazardous air pollutants for 616,000 operations

Posted by on 25 April 2008 | 12:26 am

Petition seeks curbs on aviation emissions

The Air Transport Association (ATA) claims of emission reduction is contradicted by Tyndall Centre for Climate Change and FOE Europe in recent reports. The EU and FOE predict that by 2030 in the most pessimistic scenario, all available emission credits in the European Emission Trading Scheme (EU ETS) will need to be purchased by the aviation industry.The Clean Air Association of the Northeast States (NESCAUM) study of 2003 states that in the period between 1970 and 1998, while all industry and automobile emissions increased by only 3% or less overall, aviation emissions rose by 133% in the same time period.EPA certifies new aircraft engines by standards set by the industry. Aircraft emissions emitted at the nation's airports are not regulated, monitored or controlled by EPA or any other agency delegated responsibility by EPA in individual states. FAA cites safety and freedom of international commerce clauses to obfuscate their responsibility to the American Public to protect public health and the environment.Airport sponsors and their consultants lie to the public about the true effects of their operations. EPA needs to take a proactive role NOW to curb the industry mindset of more is better, expansionism at all cost, free flight and the like since the deleterious environmental effects of aviation are already beyond a tolerable limit.EPA has shirked its responsibility by turning a blind eye to the lies and rhetoric of FAA and airport sponsors in their expansion programs and justification in purpose and need by claiming increased operations with or without projects.Thank you to Jerry Brown and the Friends of the Earth South Coast Group for continuing to address this critical issue.Debi WagnerUS - Citizens Aviation Watch_____________________________Petition seeks curbs on plane emissionsThe complaint says aircraft account for 12 percent of carbon dioxide emissions from U.S. transportation sources and 3 percent of the nation's total such emissions. The United States is responsible for nearly half of worldwide carbon dioxide emissions from aircraft. Aircraft emit other chemicals, and together the pollution has a greater global warming impact than if the emissions were at ground level. The Federal Aviation Administration expects domestic aircraft emissions to rise by 60 percent by 2025, according to the petition.

Posted by on 6 December 2007 | 12:03 am

Some Kind of Monster - NY/NJ/PHL Airspace Redesign Litigation Update

A conference call was held Thurs. evening (Nov. 8.) at 6:30pm with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Department of Justice (DOJ) attorneys and representatives from parties that have filed appeals challenging the NY/NJ/PHL Airpsace Redesign Project. Eleven of appeals have been filed in the various federal circuits. A majority of the appeals were filed in the 3rd Circuit. The FAA is trying to consolidate the airspace redesign appeals and have all of them heard in the DC Circuit. No party has yet to oppose the motion to consolidate. The Delaware parties plan to oppose the change of venue as they believe the 3rd Circuit is a more favorable forum for Delawareans.PHL Capacity Enhancement Program UpdatesPhiladelphia airport officials announced in June that the PHL Capacity Enhancement Program (CEP) Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) will be delayed for one year pending airspace redesign deliberations. Also mentioned by PHL and DVRPC officials that better highways, rail and diversion of flights to regional airports could also reduce demand. The Capacity Enhancement Program website still has not been updated with this most recent information. Images above: RNP routes used for noise mitigation into Reagan National (DCA) over Potomac River and JFK 13L.PHL Part 150 Study UpdatesPublic notification has not been adequate. PHL says they want the community’s involvement, yet they do very little to notify communities in advance about important meetings. Two meetings were held this past week in Delaware and New Jersey regarding the Part 150 Study (see below for additional information).The following information was taken from Part 150 website..A Part 150 Study is a voluntary process initiated by an airport to develop, evaluate and recommend actions that an airport, local municipalities, airlines, and/or the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) could take to help reduce the impact of aircraft noise in communities surrounding an airport. Since the airport has experienced changes in the number and type of aircraft operating at the airport, as well as the current extension of Runway 17/35 and the potential operational changes that may occur due to the FAA’s airspace redesign project; the Division of Aviation is implementing this recommended measure by conducting this update.Inquiries were made about this study via email to PHL officials back in August as the Part 150 study was mentioned in airspace redesign comments from the FAA. Very little information was received in return from PHL. Meeting dates were not provided at that time and were not forwarded after they had been scheduled. In closing, a little bird has told me that FAA has released an ATC draft and is already starting to make airspace changes around PHL. From what I understand they could go into effect as early as 12/12/07.Stephen Donatowww.phl-caw.orgBeing defeated is often a temporary condition. Giving up is what makes it permanent.______________________________Southwest Airlines commits to fleetwide RNP capabilityWednesday May 9, 2007Nevertheless, Southwest is the largest airline to commit to RNP capability across its entire fleet. Alaska Airlines, which pioneered the development of RNP procedures, previously had made the same commitment. Blakey said 37 RNP approaches currently are available at 17 airports, with an additional 34 scheduled to be in place by year end and another 25 published next year. Delta Air Lines Executive VP-Operations Joe Kolshak was on hand to detail the benefits performance-based navigation has brought to his carrier. DL received approval in March for its 737-800s to fly RNP approaches, joining Alaska Airlines, Horizon Air and Continental Airlines, and ATL has been RNAV-equipped since FY05.Specter likens US Airways' Pennsylvania plans to 'extortion'

Posted by on 11 November 2007 | 1:26 pm

Haddonfield/South Jersey Aircraft Noise Coalition Mtg.

Aircraft Noise Coalition Meeting, Sept. 13, 7:00pmTired of noisy aircraft ruining your sleep or aircraft flying over your home at ninety second intervals ?Come voice your concerns over the unnecessarily loud aircraft arrivals over our neighborhoods into the Philadelphia International Airport.Haddonfield/SJ Aircraft Noise Coalition MeetingHaddonfield Borough Hall Auditorium, 242 Kings Highway EastQuestions, contact Mike Bonnette at mbbonnette@comcast.netAirport route upgrade should reduce noise -- www.courierpostonline.com

Posted by on 13 September 2007 | 12:47 am

FAA Issues Final Decision on Airspace Redesign

Graphs above show estimated arrivals & departures per hour ,in and out of PHL, comparing the Airspace DEIS estimate vs. estimate used for PHL CEP on Annual Average Day (AAD).Stephen Donatowww.phl-caw.org______________________________________________________Washington Headquarters Press ReleaseFor Immediate ReleaseSeptember 5, 2007Contact: Arlene Salac-Murray or Jim PetersPhone: (718) 553-3015FAA Issues Final Decision on Airspace RedesignWASHINGTON, D.C. — The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a final decision for redesigning the New York, New Jersey, andPhiladelphia metropolitan area airspace that is expected to reduce delays, fuel consumption, aircraft emissions and noise.“This new concept in airspace design will help us handle the rapidly growing number of flights in the Northeast in a much more efficient way,” said FAAAdministrator Marion C. Blakey. “This airspace was first designed in the 1960s and has become much more complex. We now need to look at creativenew ways to avoid delays.”The formal Record of Decision (ROD) for the Airspace Redesign Study supports the FAA’s preferred alternative.The FAA did extensive analysis and held more than 120 public meetings in five states throughout the environmental process. The airspace redesigninvolved a 31,000-square-mile area over New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware and Connecticut with a population of 29 million residents.Twenty-one airports were included in the study.In December 2006, FAA released its Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) on the study. In March 2007, FAA identified the Integrated AirspaceAlternative as its preferred alternative. On August 3, 2007, notice of the Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) was published in the FederalRegister.FAA studies show this alternative will reduce delays, complexity of the current air traffic system, fuel consumption and carbon emissions and aircraft noise.Benefits, in the form of reduced delays, are estimated to reach 20 percent by the year 2011 compared to the amount of delays the air traffic system wouldhave without the changes. Half a million fewer people will be exposed to noise under this alternative compared to no change.This Alternative integrates the airspace surrounding the metropolitan area and expands the use of more efficient separation standards. This alternative willalso allow the FAA to move more rapidly toward satellite-based technology.Carper says Del. task force won't go quietly on issue

Posted by on 5 September 2007 | 5:52 pm

FAA taskforce urged to address worsening delays in Northeast

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ) today urged the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)’s congestion taskforce to immediately address flight delays in the New Jersey/New York area and provided some of his recommendations in a letter. The Senator welcomes the formation of the taskforce especially when in June 2007 only 54% of the flights arriving at the Newark Liberty International Airport were on time.“We have a severely overburdened aviation network and market forces alone will not fix the problem," said Menendez, “For immediate relief, it is incumbent on the FAA congestion taskforce to develop sensible regulations to ease delays, cancellations and other disruptions in the near-term at our region’s major airports.”Menendez believes the FAA should:examine whether temporary limits on operations (otherwise known as “caps”) should be placed on all of the region’s airports,immediately convene schedule reduction meetings with all relevant airlines and operators in the region,reexamine whether these increased delays can be managed by giving more priority to larger planes, particularly during periods of extreme congestion,determine whether the increased number of international flights coming into the region have increased delays for domestic flights.To read full text of the letter to the FAA: http://menendez.senate.gov/pdf/082107lettertofaa.pdf___________________________________Crowds Heed Amtrak's 'All Aboard'Wall Street Journal - 1 hour agoWhile airlines are running later and with more delays than ever -- a third of flights arrived late at La Guardia Airport between June 1 and Aug. 15, according to Flightstats.com -- Acela's performance is improving. The train is running on time 88% of the time, so far this year -- up from 84% a year ago. It was 90% on time in June. With Amtrak selling every seat on some Acela trains in peak travel periods, Amtrak recently added another weekday Acela round trip between New York and Washington to keep up with growing demand.Flight times slip in Phila., BaltimoreThe News Journal, DE - Aug 7, 2007 The Department of Transportation said Monday that the nation's carriers posted an on-time performance of 68.1 percent for the month -- the second-worst month since the depart- ment began reporting data in its current format in 1995. The figure was down from 72.8 percent in June 2006. Philadelphia International Airport had just 58.6 percent of flights arrive within 15 minutes of their scheduled time in June.FAA Chief To Become Aerospace LobbyistWashington Post, United States - Aug 21, 2007Blakey's successor at the FAA has not been named. But administration officials discussed with members of Congress the possibility of naming Barbara Barrett, a former deputy FAA administrator under President Ronald Reagan and the wife of Craig R. Barrett, chairman of Intel.‘Unfavorable Decision’

Posted by on 23 August 2007 | 1:14 am

FAA Airspace (FIES) published to Federal Register

The FAA's Airspace Redesign proposal Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) for the New York/New Jersey/Philadelphia airspace was officially published in the Federal Register on Friday, August 3. The Record of Decision (ROD) is expected to be issued sometime soon. Information about the (ROD) release date could not be easily found on the FAA website.The NY/NJ/PHL Airspace Redesign FIES documents can be viewed by clicking on the link below :Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS)Stephen Donatowww.phl-caw.org________________________House gives OK to change flight patternsBridgeton News, United States - July 25, 2007The agency proposed to "combine high-altitude and low-altitude airspace to create more efficient arrival and departure routes,". Some Northeastern lawmakers were all too happy to see the FAA propose changes to the flight patterns around New York City, Newark and Philadelphia.Delco's Brady votes to approve FAA airspace redesign

Posted by on 3 August 2007 | 11:58 pm

Analyze This -- Last Chance to Submit Airspace Redesign Comments

What goes up must come down? FAA rolled the 2003 Dual Modena departures (additional aprox. 60,000 flights since 2003 with no NEPA review) into the NY/NJ/PHL redesign's baseline. Dual modena doubled PHL's westbound departure flow and as a result understates the environmental impacts of the overall airspace redesign to residents living in Southern New Jersey, New Castle County, Delaware and Delaware County, Pennsylvania.The issue also not to be overlooked is the proposed massive increase in capacity by FAA and the aviation industry that the NY/NJ/PHL Airspace Redesign will accommodate. As a result the emissions and noise will go up despite any operational efficiency improvements. Preventing carriers from scheduling operations in excess of facility (PHL/EWR) capacity would serve to reduce emissions and delays and has not been proposed by the FAA. Why?Have not had a chance to attend an FAA Airspace meeting? Well tonight is your last chance to review the document and submit comments. Thanks to the hard work by Reps. Andrews and Sestak the NY/NJ/NY Airspace Redesign is now going to be reviewed by the GAO.Stephen Donatowww.phl-caw.orgWednesday June 27, 20076:30pm – 9:00 pmCrowne Plaza2349 Marlton Pike W.Cherry Hill, NJ856-665-6666Thursday June 28, 20076:30pm – 9:00 pmHilton WoodcliffLake200 Tice Blvd.Woodcliff Lake, NJ201-391-3600________________Cities hail court ruling on rerouting jets at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood airportBy Thomas Monnay, Posted May 16 2007, South Florida Sun-SentinelIn a significant legal victory for two cities near Ft. Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit ruled May 11 that the Federal Aviation Administration failed to follow environmental review procedures required by the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and its own environmental review policies in seeking to alter a longstanding informal runway use program at Ft. Lauderdale International Airport without first conducting an environmental impact analysis.Airspace plan set for reviewTuesday, May 29, 2007, By EILEEN STILWELL, Courier-Post StaffBoth congressmen oppose the plan because of the noise impact on constituents and potential cost. To date, the FAA has spent $50 million studying ways to overhaul the region's crowded airspace. "The FAA still has been unable to answer how much this plan will cost in software, training and new hires. I was told it will be in excess of $200 million," Andrews said.If the GAO concludes that the cost outweighs the benefits, Congress could withdraw future funding. "The strategy is the same we've used on dredging the Delaware River," Andrews said.WeatherPhilly Road Warrior | What mayoral hopefuls want for the airport

Posted by on 27 June 2007 | 1:35 am

The Shortest Straw

According to the late evening newscasts the FAA had to turn people away from the public meetings held in Essington, PA on May 1, 2007. The venue selected was too small to accommodate the crowds that wanted to attend the meeting. Notice the dual arrival tracks from prosposed expanded PHL East/West runways over Chester, PA. Voted "Toxic Town, USA" by George Magazine 1998 One would assume that the agency will now have to extend the comment period and schedule and readvertise another public meeting to brief the public on the NY/NJ/PHL Airspace Redesign noise mitigation report. We welocme a response from the FAA.Stephen Donatowww.phl-caw.orgOIG warns Congress about costly airport expansion plan

Posted by on 2 May 2007 | 2:01 am

Are you asking, "what is this FAA meeting about?"

Just to bring everyone up to speed on what has been going on so far. The FAA has spent 50 million dollars and 8 years studying the airspace. Yardley/Robbinsville Dual Modena (MXE)March 23, 2007 -- FAA holds a press conference to announce that it has chosen as it's preferred alternative the "Integrated Airspace Alternative Variation with Integrated Control Complex". The draft for all NY/NJ/PHL Airspace Redesign alternatives was released in December 2005. FAA then held public meetings and the comment period ended July 1, 2006.April 6, 2007 -- FAA holds a another press conference (late in the afternoon on Good Friday) and announces they have released a mitigation report and the public has until May 11, 2007 to make comments.I wonder how many people will have previewed (or will even understand) the report before the meetings this week? They will then only have 11 day to submit comments after the FAA meeting. Maybe, the comment period should be extended another 30 days like they did last year for the DEIS. After all, FAA has already taken 8 years studying the airspace. What is the harm in extending the comment period another month? Why all of sudden do we need to rush?Please attend a public meeting in your area:Monday April 30 D EConcord H.S.2501 Ebright RoadWilmington, DE 198106:30pm – 9:00 pmMay 1 Tuesday PAHoliday InnPhiladelphia Int'l Airport45 Industrial HighwayEssington, PA 190296:30pm – 9:00 pmDelcoTimes - Lentz’s regional airport bill meets some resistance

Posted by on 30 April 2007 | 12:20 am

FAA to host Airspace Redesign Public Meetings In April

FAA expects to schedule public meetings for the NY/NJ/PHL Airspace Redesign project in April 2007. One meeting is to be scheduled in each state affected by the redesign. The purpose of the meetings is to review noise mitigation strategies that the FAA expects to include in the preferred alternative. The FAA will then publish the final environmental impact statement (FEIS) in June and issue a record of decision (ROD) in August.

Posted by on 27 February 2007 | 1:04 am

Holiday Gift Idea

Denny's book is a very fast and enjoyable read that demonstrates the power of what people can do when they work together. Cedarhurst Alley is an excellent gift idea for your "favorite" airport aviation director or you might want to consider sending a copy to your elected officials.Be sure to remind them that the Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) for the NY/NJ/PHL Airspace Redesign is going to be published by the FAA early in the first quarter of 2007.In your letter you also should include that people (hint people are voters) are very upset with the current "piecemeal" FAA environmental permitting process being used at Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) and at other airports across the U.S.Then suggest that it may be time for Congress to hold hearings on the the current environmental streamlining provisions before they reauthorize FAA for another four years in 2007.The last time I checked the sky was created for everyone's pleasure and enjoyment.Stephen Donatowww.phl-caw.org__________________________________Airlines Feel Pressure As Pollution Fight Takes OffAviation Industry May Face Emissions Caps and Taxes; Push to Recycle Tons of TrashBy DANIEL MICHAELS and SUSAN CAREYwsj.com December 12, 2006; Page A6The U.S. airline industry -- airports and air carriers -- discards enough aluminum cans each year -- 4,250 tons in 2004 -- to build 58 Boeing 747 jumbo jets. The industry also discarded 9,000 tons of plastic and enough newspapers and magazines to fill a football field to a depth of 230 feet. "There is a growing concern among state and local officials that this industry hasn't been sufficiently regulated, despite a significant increase in the industry's emissions," said S. William Becker, executive director of the National Association of Clean Air Agencies in Washington, the group suing the EPA. [Editor's Note: The National Association of Clean Air Agencies (formerly STAPPA and ALAPCO) is suing the EPA for failing to regulate aviation emissions under the Clean Air Act.]PHL-CAW: Study one's adversary -- -- Airport Expansion News

Posted by on 20 December 2006 | 8:22 pm

Submit your comments by Nov. 13th ?

Blurb in the Delaware County News about the selectively publicized airspace meeting held by John Mica in Ridley Twp. on Oct. 18th.... "Although Mica ended the hearing by promising to look at any written comments and testimony submitted before Nov. 13, many residents were angry over the tone of the meeting, and felt that their concerns were likely to go unheeded. " Funny, instructions directing pepole how to submit comments was missing from this article.The real question DE, NJ, PA residents and their politicians should be asking is why hasn't the FAA and PHL management included Allentown (ABE) as a reliever solution to the "air travel crisis" that is fueling the expansion @ PHL? DVRPC and NY/NJ Port Authority have identified ABE and ACY as possible relievers for it's three airports ; JFK, LGA, EWR. Why hasn't PHL and the FAA? Vote your conscience on November 7th,Stephen Donatowww.phl-caw.org______________________________Federal grants to airport totalled $38M for yearCharlotte Business Journal, NC - Nov 1, 2006... A total of $38,027,815 was earmarked for five projects at the Philadelphia International Airport and one at Northeast Philadelphia Airport.Design and construction of Runway 17-35 extension ($25,463,583) -- Will extend the runway by 1,040 feet, which will permit greater use by narrow-body aircraft and help alleviate congestion on two major runways. Construction is under way and expected to be completed next year.Environmental impact statement for capacity-enhancement program ($4 million) -- Most recent allocation for the study of environmental impacts that could result from major changes in the airfield configuration. Expected to be completed next year.Pennsylvania Governor Rendell Announces $5 Million in Aviation ...Yahoo! News (press release) - 13 hours ago... Philadelphia International Airport will receive $1,000,000 for a project that will extend runway 17-35 by 1,040 feet to decrease aircraft delay at the airport. ...Airport plan a 2-state battle

Posted by on 4 November 2006 | 1:12 am

FAA Will Hold PHL EIS Airport Expansion Meetings In October

I don't know about you, but I am all "EIS'd" out. Seems like the FAA has been coming around every 6 months talking about jets, DNL, and flight paths. Sometimes one may even forget what these meetings are even about or how they relate. You may ask is this meeting about the 17-35 extension or the NY/NJ/PHL Airspace Redesign or the Capacity Enhancement Program (CEP)? This is the problem as each project is being evalutated in isolation. Notice the dual arrival tracks from an expanded PHL over Chester, PA. Voted "Toxic Town, USA" by George Magazine 1998The FAA has approved or is currently permiting following "piecemeal" capacity increases at PHL : 1) implementation of the Dual Modena departure patterns in October 2003;2) extension of the smaller runway 17/35;3) expansion of the airspace through the NY/NJ/PHL Airspace Redesign, which is an integral component of an airport expansion; and4) addition of a parallel runway through the CEP. The FAA continues to "piecemeal" the expansion in the skies and on the ground and fails to accurately render and display the cumulatitive impact from all these projects as a whole on the surrounding communities in Delaware, Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Please attend a meeting and ask your elected officials what is their opinion of the current "piecemeal" permitting process and then ask them to define cumulative impact before you go to poles on Nov. 7th.Stephen Donatowww.phl-caw.org Wednesday, October 18 – 7:00 PM to 8:30 PMTinicum School, gymnasium91 Seneca StreetEssington, PA, 19029Thursday, October 19 – 7:00 PM to 8:30 PMHanby Middle School, cafeteria2523 Berwyn RoadWilmington, DE 19810Wednesday, October 25 – 11:00 AM to 1:00 PMAtwater Kent Museum of Philadelphia15 South 7th StreetPhiladelphia, PA 19106Wednesday, October 25 – 7:00 PM to 8:30 PMEastwick at the Meadows6630 Lindbergh BoulevardPhiladelphia, PA 19153Thursday, October 26 – 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM Haddon Township High School, cafeteria406 Memorial AvenueWestmont, NJ 08108The Phoenix Online - Air traffic control changes to increase noise pollution

Posted by on 22 September 2006 | 12:33 am

Think we are angry now?

Are you having problems sleeping because of airport noise? Just wait and see what happens to Greater Wilmington and the surrounding Philadelphia counties when Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) adds another 200,000 flights by 2011. The ultimate plan is a (USAIR / Southwest) dual fortress hub capable of 800,000 plus operations at PHL by 2015. In fact, a recent emissions inventory compiled by PHL shows that about 10 percent of all regional air pollution originates at the facility. Jet engines, ground support equipment, parking lot traffic and construction are the primary sources. Will someone please tell us how adding massive capacity at PHL will reduce the emissions and noise? Would now be a good time to mention about the A380 coming to PHL?Is the new "American Gothic" a result of scorched earth FAA environmental policy?Why is Wilmington so angry?The News Journal, DE - Aug 17, 2006Magazine ranks Delaware's largest city sixth angriest in U.S. The Men's Health article offered male Wilmingtonians a few pointers to keep their city off next year's list. One suggestion is to take a multi-vitamin. Also recommended was a good night's sleep. That's hard for angry men, the magazine said, citing a study conducted last year in Korea. Also, sleep-deprived people are generally madder the next day, according to National Sleep Foundation research.Consultant to look at airport changesNews of Delaware County, PA - Jul 31, 2006Council unanimously approved the payment of $50,000 to Williams Aviation Consultants Inc. of Arizona to provide a complete analysis of the Philadelphia Area Airspace Redesign project. Councilman Michael Puppio and Councilwoman Mary Alice Brennan were not present. "Eighty percent of our residents are going to see increased noise levels," Council President Andrew Reilly said about the proposed airspace redesign.Clinton seeks final demise of Island-route jet plan

Posted by on 27 August 2006 | 11:55 pm

Airspace Redesign Raises EPA Environmental Concerns

In its June 8, 2006 comments to the FAA for the Metro Airspace Redesign, the U.S. EPA indicated that it has environmental concerns with regard to the project. The agency indicated that it believes that the FAA needs to analyze the cumulative impacts of the project related to increasing airspace capacity. The EPA also noted concerns with regard to environmental justice and noise impacts that would be generated by the FAA’s proposals. Its comments conclusion statement is listed below and the full comment letter Internet Link is also listed below.Robert BelzerPresident, NJCAAN“EPA has rated the draft EIS as EC-2 (see enclosed rating sheet), indicating that we have environmental concerns because of the need for analysis of cumulative impacts to the environment from increasing airspace capacity. Additionally, future EPA documentation for the project should includeupdated demand estimates and travel forecasts, information on outreach to environmental justice communities, and discussion of efforts to minimize and mitigate noise impacts.”EPA Comments To FAA Internet Link:http://www.epa.gov/region2/spmm/faa_ny_nj_phl_airspace_redesign_deis.pdf

Posted by on 5 July 2006 | 6:14 pm

Hurry Up and Wait

Why hasn’t the FAA implemented hourly capacity limits (Slot Rule) at PHL like they did last year at O’Hare in order to stop the chronic delays caused by airline over scheduling? Since PHL has been allowed (by FAA) to add more gates, without addressing the airfield and other infrastructure issues first -- flights surely must be delayed nation wide. Now to fix this problem we are told FAA must redesign the airspace and the proposed costly PHL expansion plans will take up to 10 years to implement. And who speaks for the communities miles from the airport concerned about the increased air traffic and the existing flight paths that the airspace redesign fails to address? Why haven't congressional hearings been scheduled to investigate these issues?See below March 2005 email sent from Reading, PA resident.....With your knowledge of the Phila airport... I'm getting conflicting stories as to why my kid's flight (AirTran flight #780) was delayed from 6:30 last night until somewhere after midnight. Is there a "real" way to find out why?What's going on at LVIA? According to LVIA officials about 25 percent of Lehigh Valley residents use New York airports and 25 to 30 percent use the Philadelphia airport. This statistic makes you wonder how many more residents from Bucks and Montgomery Counties are driving over an hour to PHL and then have to sit in the terminal, or worse yet, on the tarmac waiting to take off. Will "no action" be the "preffered alternative" for our elected officials?. Let's hope not.Stephen Donatowww.phl-caw.org_____________________________Philadelphia Airport Booms; Neighbors Protest Runway PlansBloomberg News Oct 15, 2005Southwest has driven down one-way fares to U.S. cities from Philadelphia by a quarter, airport officials estimate. New York- area residents, unable to fly Southwest from JFK, La Guardia or Newark, were traveling two hours to Philadelphia to do so, the New York Times reported in March. ``We'll add service there next year and hopefully, by the end of this year, we'll get additional gates,'' said Whitney Eichinger, a Southwest spokeswoman. Southwest leases six of the airport's 120 gates. US Airways uses 88. Some expansion opponents suggest that Philadelphia bring planes in along the Delaware River or divert traffic to regional airports such as Lehigh International near Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, or Atlantic City, New Jersey. Vanderslice had a more radical solution: ``We need another airport.''LVIA poised for growth

Posted by on 11 May 2006 | 12:33 am

Finally, a jet they don't like

Now we have seen it all. A recycled jumbo jet that is being used to construct an environmentally friendly residence? How ironic. If jet fuel prices keep going "sky high" maybe the trend will be to put more jets out to pasture and finally invest in transportation that is not dependent on volatile commodities like oil. Alternative transportation that would compete with the airlines? Now that would really “irk" the FAA and the airline cartel.Testimony February 15, 2006: Commercial Jet Fuel Supply: Impact and Cost on the U.S Airline IndustryThe purpose of this hearing is to examine the impact and cost of commercial jet fuel on the U.S. airline industry, including: (1) how commercial jet fuel is produced, transported and priced; (2) steps airlines have taken to increase fuel efficiency in the wake of rising fuel costs; (3) the effect of certain air traffic control (ATC) modernization programs on airline fuel efficiency; (4) the impact of new aircraft manufacturing technologies on fuel efficiency; and (5) what actions, if any, the Federal Government can take to help the struggling U.S. airline industry cope with higher jet fuel costs.Calculate Your Personal Impact Pollution from jets, cars and making electricity are major causes of global warming. Take a personal pollution inventory and see how you can help...YOUR FLYING.. How many plane trips do the people in your household take together each year? Do any members of your household fly separately, such as for business trips?747-Inspired House Irks FAA

Posted by on 28 April 2006 | 10:23 am

What they really mean is ...

We can also fill in the Delaware River and build a third PHL runway that points at Delaware and New Jersey and continue to subsidize airport growth with tax dollars. How convenient, and the FAA will not even have to permit and pay for this very expensive piece of this project. Parallel Concept Midfield Terminal Concept Airport proposes 2 costly expansion plansPhiladelphia Daily News, PA - Mar 23, 2006A less radical plan, which Philadelphia officials favor, keeps the terminals where they are but lengthens three runways and builds a new one along the Delaware River. That plan would require filling in a part of the river.Dredging clash draws interest across globeCherry Hill Courier Post, NJ - Apr 7, 2006Much of that could be used as fill material to build new piers between Packer Avenue terminal and the Philadelphia Navy Yard and north of the Walt Whitman Bridge, according to Sean Mahoney, marketing director of the Philadelphia Regional Port Authority."Yippee-Ki-Yay! -- Alaska "Bridge to Nowhere" Is Ketchikan's Bridge to the Airport

Posted by on 9 April 2006 | 2:31 am

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