Definition
A noise-abatement program at selected airports under which specific runways are designated as preferential for takeoff and landing in order to minimize aircraft noise impact on surrounding communities. The program is developed cooperatively by the FAA, airport operators, and air traffic control, and assigns runways based on factors such as time of day, aircraft type, and wind conditions, while still allowing pilots to request a different runway when operationally necessary.
Plain English
A plan that tells controllers which runways to use first, to keep aircraft noise away from neighborhoods as much as possible. Pilots can still ask for a different runway if they need one for safety or performance.
Context Anchor
You may encounter this term in airport noise procedures, local tower procedures, or when air traffic control assigns a runway that supports a community noise plan.
Why Pilots Care
Compliance keeps the airport in good standing with local noise rules and prevents operational restrictions or penalties.
Intuition Check
Do not assume “Runway Use Program” means every pilot must use one runway no matter what. It means there is a preferred runway plan, used when it fits safety and operating conditions.
Example Sentence 1
Because a Runway Use Program was in effect, tower assigned us Runway 22 for departure even though the winds favored Runway 4.
Example Sentence 2
Because of the nighttime Runway Use Program, we requested runway 9 instead of the shorter runway 27.