FAA's NextGen System Coming To BWI, Noise Is A Concern

BALTIMORE, Md. (WJZ)--America's air traffic control system is getting a major overhaul. New technology will cut airlines costly use of fuel, allow for planes to fly more direct routes and push for on time flights. But, if you live near the airport, you could be in for a rude a wakening.

Rick Ritter has the details.

It's set to start at BWI in just a few months, but the new technology is already at some airports across the country. Noise complaints for neighborhoods nearby are sky high.

Early morning, afternoon and even night for those who live near BWI say they've learned to tolerate planes around the clock, but the sound waves could soon go off the charts.

Ritter: "What would you say if I told you the noise was going to get even worse?"

Ray Horne: "That wouldn't make me happy."

It's the unintended consequence of the FAA's Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen).

It uses satellites instead of radar to guide airplanes, allowing for more planes in the air, safely spaced, closer together while burning less fuel.

This--because their flight paths are more direct.

"We are always looking for ways to improve our area with air space," said Anthony Fox, Secretary of Transportation.

But the more direct paths fly over heavily populated neighborhoods, leaving a headache for some homeowners.

While the system is slated to start here at BWI in just a few months, it's already been rolled out elsewhere across the country, drawing complaints in cities like New York and Phoenix.

Noise complaints soared from 221 in all of 2013 to more than 3,000 in just the past 4 months since flight paths were changed.

"Am I angry? Absolutely, I'm furious," says Nicole Marquez of Phoenix.

As far as homeowners near BWI, they're hoping for a chance to voice their concerns

"It wasn't bad, but now it's just getting worse and worse," said Horne.

But that might not be an option.

Neighbors I spoke with on Friday night near BWI say they haven't received any notices as well.

Officials at BWI say NextGen will start at the airport in June.

A congressional FAA authorization bill exempted NextGen from normal environmental impact reviews and public hearings.