(SANTA ANA, CA) – John Wayne Airport (JWA) is pleased to announce the leading participants of the 2022 Fly Friendly program, which recognizes General Aviation (GA) jet operators for their efforts to minimize noise and implement sustainable aviation practices.
“I want to thank the stakeholders, community members, and Airport staff who committed to being good neighbors and supported our efforts to build a program responsive to the needs of the community,” said Supervisor Katrina Foley, Fifth District, who worked with local residents, airport staff, and local operators to establish the program. “For the sake of public health, it’s critical we take advantage of aviation innovations that promote sustainability and lower our carbon emissions. I commend the participating pilots for their dedication to investing in best practices that mitigate noise impacts and promote greener, cleaner flights. I look forward to continuing our work to green up the airport and explore innovative opportunities for new sustainable technologies for cleaner skies and healthier communities.”
The 2022 Fly Friendly program recognition winners are GA jet operators who earned the top three highest scores in the following tiers:
| SCORING TIER | TOP OPERATORS |
|---|---|
| Tier 1 Part 135 Operators 1 – 15 (top 15 in terms of annual operations) |
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| Tier 2 Part 135 Operators 16 – 30 |
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| Tier 3 Part 135 Operators 31 – those having at least 24 annual operations (12 arrivals and 12 departures) |
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| Tier 4 N-Number Operators – those having at least 24 annual operations (12 arrivals and 12 departures) |
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Charlene Reynolds, Airport Director states, “We are thrilled to have launched this voluntary program and anticipate that pilot participation will increase over time. Outreach and communication will be key over the next few years in establishing the program within the GA community, educating new pilots on the available opportunities and best practices, and tracking data for practicable interpretation.”
JWA already has one of the most stringent aircraft noise monitoring programs in the United States. The voluntary program, launched in August 2022, is an education and outreach program that builds upon existing regulations to educate GA jet operators and seek voluntary adoption of best practices for sustainable environmental aviation.
The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) stated, “We are happy to have partnered with the Airport in helping to develop this program for the benefit of the community.”
Throughout the year, GA jet operators are evaluated on the following actions:
- Avoiding nighttime and early-morning operations when possible;
- Producing the least amount of measurable noise per year;
- Engaging pilots with noise abatement education, distributing Fly Friendly materials, and/or attending Orange County community meetings focused on aviation impacts; and
- Contributing toward ecological restoration and habitat enhancement projects through the Irvine Ranch Conservancy or Newport Bay Conservancy.
The program goal is for community members living under and near the flight path to experience less noise by GA jet operators voluntarily adopting the recommended pilot instructions and best practices of the Fly Friendly program.
Sue Dvorak, Orange County Airport Commission Chair states, “As a Newport Beach resident, it was a privilege to be part of the working group, providing community perspective and input into this initiative. I appreciate Supervisor Foley's leadership in spearheading this effort, the Newport Beach Aviation Committee for generating the concept, and the John Wayne Airport team for their excellent work and dedication to building this distinctive Fly Friendly program."
To learn more about Fly Friendly, please visit www.ocair.com/FlyFriendly or email FlyFriendly@ocair.com.