FAR Part 150

What is a Part 150 study?

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 150, Airport Noise Compatibility Planning, in January 1985. 14 CFR Part 150 provides airport operators with a formal process for addressing airport noise and noncompatible land uses. Part 150 studies are voluntary; typically prepared by airports interested in improving compatibility with local communities. Part 150 studies have two elements:

  1. Noise Exposure Map (NEM) Report – Shows existing and future aircraft sound exposure levels.
  2. Noise Compatibility Program (NCP) – Recommends measures to address aircraft noise. FAA-approved measures can be eligible for federal funding.

What is a noncompatible land use?

A noncompatible land use means that the sound exposure is normally not compatible because the DNL is above the levels identified in Part 150, Appendix A, Table 1. The thresholds for land use compatibility vary depending on the use of the land. For example, the threshold for residential land use is DNL 65; but the threshold is DNL 70 for commercial land use (offices, business and professional buildings).

For more information on Palm Beach County's Part 150 study progress, please visit the link here