History of the Federal Aviation Regulation (FAR) Part 150 Airport Noise Compatibility Program (NCP)

Federal Aviation Regulation (FAR), Part 150, Airport Noise Compatibility Program (NCP) is the primary federal regulation guiding and controlling planning for aviation noise compatibility on and around airports. It uses a balanced approach to mitigate the noise impacts of airports upon their neighbors while protecting or increasing both airport access and capacity as well as maintaining the efficiency of the national aviation system.

Implementation of noise compatibility planning is delegated to the FAA.

The Part 150 establishes procedures, standards and methodologies to be used by airport operators for the preparation of Airport Noise Exposure Maps (NEM) and Airport Noise Compatibility Programs (NCP). NCPs require airports to show what measures the airport operator has taken or proposes to take to reduce non-compatible land uses and for preventing the introduction of additional non-compatible uses within the area covered by the airport’s NEM. The program acts as an analytical tool while also guiding coordinated efforts essential to responding to changes in both aviation and the local environment. An airport’s NEM is a basic element of the NCP.

Each airport’s program is unique to that airport’s operations. Airports are required by the FAA to submit FAR Part 150 NCP to FAA for review and approval.

Federal Regulation: Part 150 - Airport Noise Compatibility Planning

CLT’s Noise Program

Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) began to implement its federally-approved FAR Part 150 NCP in 1987.

The program was designed to use various methods to mitigate noise impact. Since the NCP’s inception, the Airport has spent more than $120 million in the local community, which includes home buyout, noise abatement, noise mitigation and rezoning property to uses compatible with CLT.

To date, nearly 1,000 homes, six churches and three schools have been insulated. Additionally, almost 400 properties in high noise zones, including mobile home parks, have been purchased by the Airport.

Visit the Part 150 Study website for more information.