Compiled by The Bedford Citizen
The Hanscom Field Advisory Commission (HFAC) met on June 19, 2018, in the Civil Air Terminal Building, 200 Hanscom Drive, Bedford with Lincoln resident Christopher Eliot chairing the meeting.
Monthly Noise Report
Kassandra Marin, Hanscom Airport Data Specialist, delivered the Monthly Noise Report, comparing noise levels generated by Hanscom air operations during May 2018 with those of May 2017. Air operations, in general, were down by about 8%, but the proportion of Turbo and Helicopter operations increased significantly (17 and 26% respectively), as did night operations (by about 10%). Hanscom noise complaints were up by 39% (64 compared to 46 in May 2017), with 3 complaints received about one particular night flight. All 6 noise monitors for Hanscom Field were 100% operational for May, with none disabled by nesting mice or birds, as has happened in the past.
Residents are always encouraged to contact the HANSCOM NOISE COMPLAINT LINE at (781) 869-8050 if they are disturbed or concerned with a loud aircraft, so Massport is aware of the effectiveness of their noise mitigation efforts
Monthly Air Traffic Report
The Monthly Air Traffic Report showed Linear Air had no inbound or outbound flights. Information was not provided about the other Hanscom Airfield tenants.
Massport Hanscom Capital Programs and Third Party Development Report
The Massport Hanscom Capital Programs and Third Party Development Report presented by Ms. Marin noted that Massport is expected to meet with potential developers for the North Airfield Hangar(s) Project(s) in July, with business terms to be finalized by September 2018.
The GSA Auction of a 16-acre parcel of the Navy Property on the North Airfield in Bedford, including Hangar/Office space is scheduled to go forward on June 25 (as of HFAC Meeting on June 19).
Community Relations Updates
Massport Community Relations representative Anthony Gallagher announced that Matthew Romero (formerly Director of Communications of the MWRA Advisory Board) has been selected to head the Massport Community Advisory Committee (CAC), which consists of 40 members from 35 communities impacted by Massport’s three Airports – Logan, Hanscom, and Worcester. Bedford’s CAC Representative is Heidi Porter, our Board of Health Director. CAC will be focusing on issues such as the new Massport/FAA RNAV study on redistributing aircraft noise more equitably over communities near airports and under flight paths.
Citizen Comments
A resident asked why the same helicopter sometimes flew over his house several times an hour in the same direction. Thomas Hirsch, representing the Hanscom Pilots’ Association, explained that during some training exercises (such as pattern work), helicopter pilots may fly a repetitive tight circular flight path from Hanscom’s “Romeo” Taxiway over some Bedford neighborhoods, but in general, pilots are encouraged to avoid populated areas as much as possible during the practice work.
Residents with any questions or concerns are encouraged to record the N-Number (FAA registration number written in large letters on all civil aircraft) and leave a query or comment with the Hanscom Noise Complaint Line: (781) 869-8050.
Upcoming Meetings
The date of the next HFAC meeting was deferred for the time being, but the July Hanscom Area Towns Committee (HATS) meeting will take place at 7:30 pm on Tuesday, July 12 in Estabrook Hall at the Cary Memorial Building, 1605 Massachusetts Avenue, Lexington.
Click this link to view, print, or download the July HATS meeting agenda.
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