Fly Friendly Zone (FFZ) Noise Abatement Program
Purpose:
The Falcon Field Airport (Airport) “Fly Friendly”
Program was created to establish and maintain a
partnership between airport and community
stakeholders. The goal of the Program is to minimize
the effects of flight operations at Falcon Field on
the surrounding community while also ensuring the
long-term success of the airport.
General Background:
The Airport is owned and operated by the City.
However, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) rules
and regulations limit the City’s ability to impose
flight restrictions, such as limiting the hours of
flight operations and prohibiting specific aviation
businesses and aircraft types. Furthermore, the FAA
is the only governmental agency with the authority
to direct and control aircraft in flight. 
Ultimately, the aircraft’s pilot is in control of
his/her aircraft and has the authority to make
decisions about that aircraft for safety reasons.
Since safety always comes first, these decisions
may, at times, conflict with recommended aircraft
noise abatement practices and procedures.
Brief History of the ‘Fly Friendly’ Program
In 2007, the City began recommending that pilots
voluntarily comply with nationally-recognized noise
abatement guidelines published by the Aircraft
Owners & Pilots Association (AOPA), the National
Business Aircraft Association (NBAA) and Helicopters
Association International (HAI) when flying to and
from Falcon Field. The City also invited
stakeholders to participate on a Falcon Field Noise
Committee for the purpose of establishing and
maintaining an open dialogue regarding aircraft
noise issues. The Committee met on a quarterly
basis.
In April 2009, the City convened a Falcon Field
Ad-Hoc Task Force to suggest reasonable solutions
that balance and respond to the varying interests of
the stakeholders. Task Force members included
community members, airport tenants and businesses,
including the airport’s largest flight training
academy. In August 2009, the Task Force presented to
the City a list of
recommended strategies for reducing aircraft
noise and safety concerns.
Since then, efforts have been made by many of the
key stakeholders to implement these recommendations
to the greatest extent possible. Here is a
summary of the
progress that is being made to reduce the effect
of aircraft noise on the surrounding neighborhoods
and the steps that are being taken to familiarize
the community with Falcon Field.
Falcon Pride
The "Falcon Pride" section features comments
submitted to the City of Mesa reflecting actions
taken by airport tenants and users that promote "Fly
Friendly" procedures at Falcon Field. By posting
these comments, the City seeks to recognize and
further promote activities that positively build on
the airport's reputation as a good neighbor to the
surrounding community.
"I just learned the good news!
Congratulations to you and your team. I told you
at one of our meetings that you and your people
do a super job. Winning the Arizona Airport of
the Year validates my feedback to you. I note
that you won the award based upon your work to
improve aviation safety at Falcon. I can think
of no greater tribute.
I am very proud to keep my
airplane at Falcon and very proud of you and
your team.
Congratulations again! Thanks
for all you have done and continue to do now and
in the future to improve aviation safety." --
Mac McClure, FAASTeam Lead Representative
"I've been flying out of FFZ since 1980 and
have been a hangar resident since 1989. Falcon
Field is a great airport and an asset to the
community. With full service FBO's, restaurants,
scenic views and a great location, I can't think
of a better airport to be a part of. The airport
staff has always been supportive and helpful
whenever I've needed assistance, and that
includes the weekends, when many of us at the
airport might need staff contact. The Fly
Friendly Program has been designed to help
pilots to be safe and at the same time maintain
minimal noise profiles to our neighbors
surrounding the airport. It's been the result of
input from airport management, tenants and
neighbors and continues to evolve for everyone's
benefit. My thanks to the FFZ community for
making the finest airport anywhere in the USA!"
-- Jim Landers
"Just wanted to applaud you for
this fantastic event. As a freelance photographer, I
attended the event to add vintage aircraft to my
portfolio. My expectations far exceeded my goals
with so many planes on exhibit. Not only was I able
to capture many of these great planes, but I was
also able to be a part of the joy you gave the
hundreds of people that attended. To be able to
attend such a great event without any monetary
concerns was a gift to those who enjoyed the day.
Thank you!!" -- P. Myers
"As an active pilot for
over 45 years, you are to be commended for
disseminating this information...it is what
pilots NEED, in a timely manner. Thank you!" --
Capt. Bob
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