In an effort to further curb noise over Newport Beach and Costa Mesa neighborhoods, the FAA is considering a new takeoff route for John Wayne Airport. For those who have never departed from SNA, the takeoff can be a bit discerning as the angle is clearly steeper than normal and the pilots pull back on the thrust to muffle the noise.
The new takeoff would force plans into an “S-curve” shaped takeoff, but the FAA says they’re unsure if this style of takeoff is even possible. John Wayne Airport is already known for having one of the most white-knuckle-inducing takeoffs in the country. John Wayne Airport is the third busiest airport in Southern California, which many don’t realize.
But local residents say that noise pollution from aircrafts has long been a problem as planes depart the airport and head out over the Pacific Ocean. The “required navigation performance departure” would make it necessary for planes to swerve to level out over the bay instead of over neighborhoods like Dover Shores.
Local Government Backing Proposed Plan
According to Newport Beach’s mayor, Keith Curry, the city has listened to its residents and has heard them loud in clear when it comes to reducing noise pollution. He adds, “We’ll do anything we can to reduce the impact.”
The airport, which is served by 14 carriers including Delta, American Airlines, United Airlines, Southwest, and others, says it will be interesting to see if the FAA actually approves this unique takeoff. Passengers already contend with a thrilling departure, that has helped SNA make the list of the world’s scariest airports.
Here, planes takeoff at near full thrust and climb at 25 degrees versus the normal 15 degree angle. Once they reach a certain altitude, the pilots quickly reduce the engine power, which can often sound like the plane is stalling, especially to the uneducated. Some years ago, the pilots would make an announcement calling attention to the alternate takeoff so as to diffuse the fear in passengers, but that has since fallen by the wayside.
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