FAA meeting set for flight pattern changes

Changes in flight patterns in aircraft from Los Angeles International Airport are slated to begin in March and April, and aviation officials are inviting resident of cities that will see these changes to an informational briefing on Monday, Jan. 23.

The briefing will be held at the multipurpose room in Veterans Memorial Building from 3 to 8 p.m.

Representatives from LAX and Santa Monica Airport will give updates on the Federal Aviation Administration’s Southern California Metroplex system, which will replace dozens of existing conventional air traffic control procedures with new satellite-based procedures.

The Next Generation Airport Transportation System will consist of 41 new departures, 37 arrivals and 21 approach procedures that guide aircraft.

Culver City is suing the FAA in federal appeals court over the flight changes. The city is contesting Next Generation’s environmental analysis.

City officials say at least three Culver City neighborhoods— Carlson Park, Lindberg Park and Sunkist Park— have had a drastic uptick in overflights since the Next Generation project began its test flights nearly two years ago. According to the results of a noise study conducted by a consultant hired by the City Council, Carlson Park seems to be the neighborhood that has been the most impacted by aircraft noise from low flying airplanes.

“Our residents have already experienced a significant impact on their quality of life from current flight path changes. The citizens and businesses of Culver City deserve a full analysis and discussion of the location, altitude, and impacts of these new approach and departure procedures created by the Project, which are absent from the FAA’s Environmental Assessment,” said Culver City Mayor Jim Clarke after the appeal was announced.

Veterans Memorial Auditorium is located at 4117 Overland Ave.