The Airport Noise Compatibility Study is a federally regulated, voluntary process that helps airports identify and mitigate the impacts of aircraft noise on surrounding communities. At Patrick Leahy Burlington International Airport (BTV), the study follows the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Part 150 guidelines (Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Part 150: Airport Noise Compatibility Planning).

Part 150 sets the standards for airports to:

• Document aircraft noise exposure around the airport
• Evaluate land use compatibility with those noise levels
• Develop programs that may qualify for federal funding to reduce noise impacts

The Study has two main parts: Noise Exposure Maps (NEM) and the Noise Compatibility Program (NCP).