Definition
A voluntary program developed by an airport operator under 14 CFR Part 150 that identifies measures to reduce existing or projected aircraft noise impacts on surrounding communities and to ensure that future land use near the airport remains compatible with airport operations. The program is submitted to the FAA for review and approval and may include operational measures such as preferential runways, noise abatement flight tracks, and restrictions on certain aircraft or times of operation.
Plain English
A formal plan an airport puts together to cut down on how much aircraft noise reaches the neighborhoods around it, and to make sure new building near the airport fits with the noise that already exists there.
Context Anchor
Pilots may encounter this term in noise abatement discussions, airport information, local procedures, or FAA material explaining why certain preferred routes or operating procedures exist.
Derivation
“Compatible” comes from a word meaning “able to exist together.” That helps here because the program is about helping airport activity and nearby communities exist together with fewer noise conflicts.
Why Pilots Care
Pilots may be directed to follow specific runway preferences, flight tracks, or power settings required by the program.
Intuition Check
Do not read “noise compatibility program” as a promise that the airport will be quiet. It means there is an organized plan to reduce noise conflicts between the airport and the surrounding area.
Example Sentence 1
The airport's noise compatibility program designates Runway 15 as the preferred departure runway during nighttime hours.
Example Sentence 2
Following the noise compatibility program, the aircraft used a noise abatement climb profile over residential areas.