Q. I’m considering the purchase of a home in this area, how busy is Ohio State University Airport?

A. OSU averages approximately 100,000 aircraft operations each year. The airport is home to the Ohio State University Flight School, four flying clubs, Ohio Highway Patrol and MedFlight. In addition, as a result of business growth in central Ohio, OSU Airport is used by Fortune 500 companies, including Cardinal Health, MetLife, Dow Chemicals, Qwest Communications, Ashland Chemical and Worthington Industries.

While OSU does not accept commercial flights or large aircraft, aircraft noise is a very personal issue. One individual can be greatly bothered by aircraft noise, while another individual may hardly notice the same noise.

We recommend that you spend a considerable amount of time in and around any home that you consider purchasing. Talk to the neighbors. Go to the location on a number of different days, at a number of different times. Feel free to stop by the airport if you have additional questions.

Q. What time does OSU close?

A. Consistent with Federal Law; the airport is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 52 weeks a year. The OSU Air Traffic Control Tower (ATCT) closes at 11 P.M. and airport staff leaves at 11:30 p.m., but aircraft still may operate after that time, by communicating with ATC at Port Columbus.

Q. What is OSU doing about aircraft noise? Can’t you fine pilots or aircraft owners that make lots of noise?

A. Under 14 CFR 161 the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) does not allow for the mandatory restriction of airport access in these matters without confirmation that such measures would greatly enhance noise abatement efforts and not unduly prohibit open access to the airport. The difficulty in meeting these criteria, and the high cost in performing such a study, has effectively prevented most airports from being able to mandate such restrictions since the rule came into effect in late 1990. The only exception to this rule is in cases where airports had such restrictions in place prior to the effective date of the law. Therefore, our Noise Abatement Program is voluntary. OSU is prohibited by Federal law from levying fines, or restricting access to the airport (or the routes by which aircraft access the airport) to aid our noise abatement program. We must rely solely on the continual notification, education, and compliance of our aircraft operators.

While almost everything done at OSU airport is dictated overwhelmingly by safety considerations and adherence to Federal law, we continually strive to be good neighbors. We respond to inquiries in a timely manner, our noise abatement program includes recommended departure and arrival procedures, we maintain a comprehensive noise report data base, and we have an aggressive educational program aimed at informing and reminding OSU tenants about our noise abatement efforts and procedures. Additionally, our efforts coupled with technological advances in the aviation industry are making a significant reduction in terms of aircraft related noise.

Q. How is the airport addressing community noise concerns?

A. The Ohio State University Airport is addressing community noise concerns in several different ways.

     A state of the art Aircraft Tracking system has been installed to improve communication between the airport and the communities.

     Helicopter procedure routes have been implemented to reduce noise around surrounding communities. Noise abatement procedures have been adopted.

     A Part 150 Study is being requested to develop a noise model for the airport so the airport can improve flight tracks and better understand the noise issue surrounding the airports.

     A voluntary curfew has been implemented on Stage 2 aircraft during the hours of 10:00 p.m. till 7:00 a.m.

     A full time staff member has been hired to improve communications and serve as a liaison between the airport and surrounding communities.

     We are in discussions with Port Columbus Air Traffic Control over airspace issues to better flight paths to reduce noise over neighborhoods.

     An Airport Advisory Committee has been formed to discuss and advise on issues relating to the airport.