Definition
A voluntary FAA program under 14 CFR Part 150 in which an airport operator submits measures to reduce existing aircraft noise impacts on surrounding communities and to prevent new incompatible land uses from developing near the airport. Approved measures may include preferred runway use, noise abatement flight procedures, restrictions on certain aircraft or operating times, and land-use planning recommendations.
Plain English
A formal plan an airport puts in place, with FAA approval, to cut down the noise impact of aircraft on nearby neighborhoods and keep new noise-sensitive development from creeping in.
Context Anchor
Pilots may see this term in airport planning, noise abatement information, or discussions of local procedures designed to reduce noise over surrounding neighborhoods.
Derivation
‘Compatibility’ comes from Latin compati, meaning ‘to suffer with’ or ‘get along with.’ The program’s aim is to make aircraft noise and surrounding land use ‘get along’ — neither one forcing the other out.
Why Pilots Care
Pilots may be required to follow specific departure or arrival procedures developed under the program.
Intuition Check
Do not read “compatibility” as “quiet” or “no noise.” In this context, it means reducing the conflict between normal airport activity and nearby community areas.
Example Sentence 1
Before departing that airport at night, the pilot reviewed the noise compatibility program procedures and used the preferred runway for the lowest-impact climb path.
Example Sentence 2
Pilots reviewed the noise compatibility program procedures before flying into the busy general aviation airport.