News and Updates – FAA Issues Record of Decision for Denver Metroplex Project

WASHINGTONThe Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a Finding of No Significant Impact/Record of Decision for the Denver Metroplex project. The Finding of No Significant Impact/ Record of Decision, as well as the Final Environmental Assessment, are available on theDenver Metroplex website.

The decision enables the agency to move forward with the project, which will use cutting-edge satellite navigation to move air traffic more safely and efficiently through the area. Satellite-based routes will allow for more direct and efficient routing of aircraft into and out of Denver and surrounding airports, enhancing aviation safety and efficiency, and potentially reducing flight delays.

Prior to making the decision, the FAA conducted thorough environmental reviews, including 24 public workshops and approximately 78 stakeholder briefings in the Denver metro area. The agency also held two public comment periods totaling 75 days and evaluated and responded to more than 975 comments.

The FAA plans to implement the procedures on March 26, 2020.

The FAAs environmental review for the project indicates some people will experience slight noise decreases, some will see no changes, and some will experience small noise increases. Additionally, some people might see aircraft where they did not previously fly after the Denver Metroplex procedures are implemented.

Some flight track dispersion will continue to occur after the new procedures are implemented because the Metroplex project includes a number of existing procedures. In addition, air traffic controllers will need to occasionally vector aircraft for safety or efficiency reasons or to reroute them around weather systems.

The Denver Metroplex website includes Google Earth features that enable people to view current and projected flight paths associated with the project.