Maine Jetport Testing New Flight Path to Cut Noise Over Neighborhoods

For many people living in South Portland, the sound of planes overhead is just part of daily life. But for some, it can also be a source of frustration.

Now, officials at the Portland International Jetport say they are trying a new approach to help reduce that noise.

According to WGME, the jetport recently introduced an optional “S”-shaped flight path designed to keep incoming planes over the water longer before landing. The idea is to limit how often aircraft pass directly over residential neighborhoods in South Portland.

“It’s been more like a sound machine type of thing,” South Portland resident Myles Wetzel said, describing the near-constant noise.

Jetport spokesperson Zachary Sundquist says the new route is similar to an existing daytime harbor approach, but aims to reduce the number of planes that cut across neighborhoods, the news station reported.

“We are very cognizant that airplanes have an impact on our neighbors,” Sundquist said. “This helps keep more aircraft over the bay instead of over homes.”

The change comes after years of discussion by the jetport’s noise advisory committee, which has been looking for ways to lessen the impact on nearby communities.

Still, not everyone is convinced it will make a big difference.

“As someone who lives on the water, I don’t see that making much of a difference in terms of noise,” Wetzel said.

The jetport also notes that the new flight path is not mandatory. Pilots will ultimately choose the approach they feel is safest for landing, WGME said.

In addition, aircraft need to be equipped with specific GPS technology, and pilots must be trained to use the route.

Sundquist estimates that about 80 percent of commercial flights at the jetport are capable of flying the new approach and may begin using it.