The Ohio State University Airport Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR) Part 150 Noise and Land Use Compatibility Study is nearing the conclusion of Phase I. This first phase has documented noise levels from current and forecasted future aircraft operations. With FAA approval, Phase II will develop recommendations for reducing potential aircraft noise exposure for surrounding communities based on best practices used across the country. When the study began last September, a Part 150 Advisory Committee was formed. Members represent organizations that use the airport as well as affected political jurisdictions, agencies and neighborhoods. The Part 150 Committee has met twice, and a Technical Subcommittee has held two additional meetings. These sessions have been open to the public. In April, a public meeting was held, attracting about 80 attendees. All meeting documents, as well as frequently asked questions, are being posted on this web site, and comments are welcome at any time. To date we have received a wide range of comments and questions, and have appreciated the public’s ongoing interest and input in this effort. Due to the volume of comments received in Part 150 studies, we do not provide detailed responses to each individual comment and question as we receive them. Instead, all comments and questions are reviewed by the consultant team, and those related to the development of Noise Exposure Maps are addressed comprehensively, where everyone can have the benefit of reviewing the information, in the draft Part 150 Study Noise Exposure Maps submittal to the Federal Aviation Administration. All comments and questions are also included in the Appendices of the draft document. This document will be available for public review prior to the next public meeting, which will be scheduled upon FAA approval to move into Phase II, the Noise Compatibility Program development phase. Many of the questions we’ve received have already been addressed in materials that have been posted under the newly reorganized Study Documents section that enables you to find information by subject matter. As presented in April, using FAA guidelines and industry best practices, the Reynolds, Smith and Hills consultant team determined the extent of the noise that exists around the Airport today, and is expected to exist around the airport in the future. The analysis determined that the 65 Day-Night Sound Level (DNL) contour – the FAA’s threshold for significant noise – falls mainly within Airport property. Land uses falling outside the 65 DNL contour are considered compatible. While the Airport is not required by the FAA to pursue noise abatement strategies when the 65 DNL noise levels do not reach into residential neighborhoods, the University understands that noise concerns continue to exist, and remains committed to further exploring noise compatibility strategies. To that end, the University is actively working to secure the FAA’s support and funding for Phase II of this study process. This next step would evaluate a broad range of aircraft operational procedures and land use practices to help further reduce noise impacts on surrounding neighborhoods. The Noise Compatibility Program phase will provide further opportunities for the public to provide comments on the study, which again would be addressed in the Study Documents.