VT Guard offers plan for jet noise
Sydney P. Hakes
Oct 29, 2024
The Vermont Air National Guard has outlined a revised plan to mitigate noise caused by its F-35 fighter jets based at Patrick Leahy Burlington International Airport. In response to noise complaints from Burlington, South Burlington, and Winooski, the Guard announced that while changing the mission is not feasible, they will explore ways to reduce the noise. Key aspects of the proposal include modifying the use of afterburners to decrease sound levels over residential areas. However, the implementation of this plan will take time, with an environmental impact study scheduled to begin in January 2025.
Main Points
- Vermont Air National Guard responds to noise complaints from three communities: Burlington, South Burlington, and Winooski.
- Complaints center around the loud and frequent noise from F-35 jets stationed at Patrick Leahy Burlington International Airport.
- Guard states that changing the F-35 mission is not possible but is open to noise mitigation efforts.
- Col. Daniel Finnegan confirmed there is “no plan for a mission change.”
- The Guard provides an on-site fire department for free, which is financially essential for the airport.
- The Guard’s lease at the airport extends until 2073.
- 20 F-35 jets operate from the base, flying typically Tuesdays through Fridays.
- New mitigation plan includes limiting afterburner use to reduce noise by 4 decibels in Burlington and Winooski.
- Proposed plan aims to increase jet altitude by about 500 feet over residential areas, redirecting sound pollution farther from towns.
- Implementation is expected to take years, with an environmental impact study beginning in January 2025.