Online form to complain about aircraft noise

The Port Authority this week launched an online form for complaining about aircraft noise.

The agency on Tuesday started the Internet-based complaint form that allows users to describe in detail the aircraft noise they experience, Port Authority director Patrick Foye said yesterday. Previously, noise complaints had to be left on a telephone message hotline or by sending an email to the Federal Aviation Administration.

"We've tried to make it easier for both residents in New York and New Jersey who live near airports who believe they are affected by airport noise," Foye said after a meeting of the Port Authority's board of directors in Manhattan. "The reaction we've gotten from many residents is they appreciate the new ease of making complaints."

Residents of Nassau County communities under Kennedy Airport flight paths have sought a single, easy way to file noise complaints. The new form can be used for any of the three airports managed by the Port Authority: Kennedy, LaGuardia and Newark Liberty in New Jersey.

The online forms allow users to include information about whether their problem involves aircraft noise, low-flying planes or vibrations caused by aircraft. The time of the noise issue, type of aircraft and which airport was involved, as well as general written comments, can be detailed with the online form.

The forms can be found on the Port Authority website, www.panynj.gov/contact/contact-us.html. The telephone complaint line, 800-225-1071, and email address, 9-AWA-NoiseOmbudsman@faa.gov, will remain active and available, officials said.