Which act led to the creation of Part 161 concerning airport noise and access restrictions?

The Airport Noise and Capacity Act of 1990 is the pivotal legislation that established Part 161, which specifically addresses airport noise and the measures that can be taken regarding access restrictions due to such noise. This act was developed in response to increasing concerns over the impact of aircraft noise on surrounding communities and the need for airports to manage this noise while balancing operational capacity.

Part 161 was introduced to provide a structured framework for airports looking to implement noise limiting measures legally, including curfews, and to ensure compliance with federal regulations. It establishes the groundwork for notifying affected communities, conducting noise studies, and rigorously evaluating potential noise management strategies before implementation. This regulation reinforces the commitment to mitigate the negative externalities of airport operations and promote a collaborative approach to resolving noise conflicts, which aligns directly with the objectives delineated in the Airport Noise and Capacity Act of 1990.