The FAA today published a Notice regarding the availability of a proposed advisory circular entitled “Guidance On Aircraft Noise Certification Documentation For International Flights.” The proposed AC responds to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) adoption of three acceptable options for managing noise certification documents. The AC contains guidance on aircraft noise certification documentation operators may choose to carry on board the aircraft for international flights to respond to requests by foreign authorities or airports. It also contains a suggested document format for operators to present noise certification documentation.
The FAA is encouraging U.S. operators flying outside the United States to carry a single page document on board the aircraft that contains the required noise certification documentation. However, this is not mandatory. Rather, carrying the AC’s suggested form on the aircraft is voluntary for U.S. operators help them to readily provide the necessary noise certification information to foreign authorities upon request.
Apparently some U.S. operators have been detained at foreign airports because of questions about the noise status of their airplanes. The confusion and apparent disagreements about what various countries expected operators to have available prompted the FAA to provide clarification of noise certification documents for international flights. Fortunately, rather than requiring a regulatory change mandating carriage of noise certification documents, the FAA decided to issue a less burdensome AC.
Comments to the proposed AC are due on or before December 13, 2005. If you would like further information on the proposed AC you can contact Laurette Fisher, Office of Environment and Energy (AEE-100), Federal Aviation Administration, 800 Independence Avenue, SW., Washington, DC 20591; telephone (202) 267-3561; facsimile (202) 267-5594. A copy of the proposed AC is available online here.
