New Approach To Reduce Airport Noise

Noise suppression has been a subject of discussion with regard to flights in and out of the Jackson Hole airport for decades, but now a possible solution may soon be put in place that would enable routing planes over less noise-sensitive areas.  Airport manager Ray Bishop says the plan was to have been approved last week, but a special aircraft that was to have tested the plan developed technical problems that delayed the test until next month.  Current technology, Bishop says, requires a straight line approach that brings planes in over Moran and then in over some very noise-sensitive areas.  Besides addressing noise impacts, Bishop says the new route would be about a five-minute shorter pathway leading to less fuel consumption as well.   Still, Bishop admits the new plan involves an evolving technology, and not all aircraft have the equipment yet to follow the alternative approach. Bishop says it is hoped the test flight can be completed next month, but as yet a date has not been rescheduled.