NEW AIR TRAFFIC PROCEDURES AT KPWM AND KBOS

The Federal Aviation Administration recently implemented changes at the Portland International Jetport (PWM) and Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) to help reduce noise over surrounding areas. The FAA conducted an environmental review at both locations and evaluated the new procedures for environmental impact, operational feasibility, and safety. PWM and its Noise Advisory Committee as well as the Massachusetts Port Authority and the Massport Community Advisory Committee requested the procedure changes at their respective airports.

The new procedure at PWM creates GPS waypoints for the existing Harbor Visual Approach procedure for Runway 29 and will only be available during the day in clear weather. The change will allow pilots flying over the harbor to avoid noise-sensitive areas with a refined procedure. Two changes have been announced for BOS to shift traffic away from densely populated areas near Hull, Massachusetts. The first change has already been implemented and moves aircraft departing Runway 15-Right further north away from the Hull area. The procedure can be used during the day and night. An additional change beginning on December 30 of this year will move aircraft on approach to Runway 33-Left away from Hull by shifting the approach out over the water.