Overview
Title
Agency Information Collection Activities: Requests for Comments; Clearance of a Renewed Approval of Information Collection: FAA Aircraft Noise Complaint and Inquiry System (Noise Portal)
Agencies
ELI5 AI
The FAA wants to keep collecting people's complaints about loud airplane noises so they know how to help them best. They are asking for everyone's thoughts before they continue doing this and need a special group's permission to go ahead.
Summary AI
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is seeking public comments on their plan to renew approval for collecting information about aircraft noise complaints through the FAA Noise Portal. This process is in line with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 and requires approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). The information gathered will help the FAA respond to noise complaints more effectively. Comments must be submitted by April 9, 2021, and the entire approval process is expected to be completed by July 2021.
Abstract
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, FAA invites public comments about our intention to request the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approval to renew an information collection. The FAA Regional Administrators' Offices and the FAA Noise Ombudsman will use the information voluntarily reported, on the occasion of a complaint, by the public in the FAA Noise Portal to prepare responses to their noise complaints or inquiries. The required FAA Noise Portal fields represent the minimum amount of information the FAA needs to address the public's noise complaint or question and includes: name, email, address or cross street and a description of the noise complaint or inquiry. It is important to know the person's name and email address to respond and track the complaint. The FAA will not respond to the same complaint from the same person more than once. The address or cross street is needed for the FAA to determine potential sources of the aircraft noise issues as most people complain about aircraft in the vicinity of their residence. The description is used to provide additional details for the FAA to better address the complaint or question.
Keywords AI
Sources
AnalysisAI
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has announced its intention to renew its efforts in collecting information on aircraft noise complaints through their designated system, the FAA Noise Portal. This announcement adheres to the guidelines set by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, which necessitates approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). Public input is sought on this matter, with comments expected before April 9, 2021. The ultimate goal is to streamline responses to public concerns regarding noise pollution caused by aircraft overhead and ensure that these responses are managed efficiently.
General Summary
The document serves as a formal invitation for public comments on the FAA's initiative to continue collecting information on aircraft noise complaints. The FAA Noise Portal is intended to be a tool through which individuals can report concerns about noise pollution from aircraft. The information collected comprises essential details such as the complainant's name, email, address or nearest cross street, and a description of the noise concern. The FAA uses this information to address noise complaints effectively and provide responses where necessary. Importantly, the agency plans not to respond to identical complaints from the same individual more than once.
Significant Issues and Concerns
The document raises a few notable issues. First, there is an inconsistency concerning the deadline for public comment submissions. The text indicates a 60-day period from March 1 to April 30, 2021, yet specifies a submission deadline of April 9, 2021, which could lead to confusion among respondents. Secondly, while the document details the process for handling complaints, it lacks clarity on managing potentially duplicate complaints received from various sources. This aspect could impact fairness and transparency, as it is critical to ensure that each complaint is treated with due diligence. Additionally, the document does not include any information about budget allocations, making it difficult to assess whether financial resources are being used effectively.
Broad Public Impact
This initiative directly impacts the public, especially individuals living in areas frequently impacted by aircraft noise. By encouraging public comments, the FAA aims to refine its data collection and complaint management processes. Members of the public who provide feedback could influence the procedures and policies surrounding noise complaint handling. This process underscores the FAA's willingness to engage with citizens and address their concerns more comprehensively, ultimately striving for a more user-friendly experience.
Impact on Specific Stakeholders
For residents in areas under frequent flight paths, the effective implementation of this information collection means that noise complaints could be more efficiently addressed, potentially leading to significant quality-of-life improvements. On the other hand, the aviation industry might face increased scrutiny as the FAA processes and responds to more systematically gathered and analyzed complaints. Pilots and airlines might see adjustments in operational practices to mitigate noise-related issues. The FAA itself must also allocate resources to manage this system effectively, which could pose logistical challenges if not properly funded and staffed.
In summary, while the FAA's initiative to renew its noise complaint collection system is well-intentioned and could lead to improvements for affected communities, the process must be clear and free of inconsistencies to ensure fairness and efficiency. Public participation plays a crucial role, and the FAA has to address these raised concerns to fully actualize the potential benefits of their efforts.
Issues
• The document does not specify any funding amounts or budget allocations, so it's unclear whether there is any wasteful spending or favoritism involved.
• The language is generally clear, but some sections might benefit from simplification for easier public understanding, such as the detailed explanation of the process involving OMB's clearance.
• The document mentions a '60-day comment period from March 1, 2021 to April 30, 2021,' which appears inconsistent with the stated comment submission deadline of April 9, 2021, leading to potential confusion.
• Clarification is needed on how duplicate complaints are identified and managed, particularly if submitted from different sources, to ensure fairness and transparency in handling complaints.