Centennial Airport is committed to minimizing the impact of aircraft noise on our surrounding communities while maintaining safe and efficient operations. We take a multi-faceted approach to aircraft noise management, which includes:
- Reducing Noise at the Source
Advances in aircraft design have dramatically reduced noise over the past three decades. We encourage operators at Centennial to use newer, quieter aircraft. - Land Use Planning and Management
We produce and share noise contour and land use guideline maps with local governments to help guide zoning decisions. The goal is to help ensure that new residential developments are not built in areas with high levels of aircraft noise. - Noise Abatement Operating Procedures
We promote and monitor best practices for quieter flying, such as optimal climb and descent profiles. Our team works directly with pilots, operators, and air traffic control (ATC) to improve compliance and reduce community noise exposure.
Our Focus: Voluntary Noise Abatement Procedures
Of all noise-control methods, Centennial Airport has the greatest influence over voluntary noise abatement procedures. Centennial Airport works closely with pilots, flight schools, and the Centennial Airport Community Noise Roundtable to publish voluntary procedures that help reduce the impact of aircraft noise on surrounding neighborhoods. While safety and air traffic control instructions always take priority, these measures are designed to make a meaningful difference in keeping operations quieter.
Pilots are encouraged to avoid flying over the most noise-sensitive areas whenever possible, to limit training flights and instrument practice between 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m., and to make gradual power changes to avoid sudden bursts of noise. Signs posted at runway ends remind pilots of these quiet flying techniques. Because terrain rises south and west of the airport, pilots also adjust their flight paths and altitudes accordingly.
For smaller propeller aircraft touch-and-go operations are requested to be kept to 10 per flight. When conditions allow, pilots use Runway 10/28 to help route flights away from more populated areas, climbing quickly to safe altitudes and reducing engine power as soon as it is safe to do so. Jet operators follow National Business Aviation Association noise abatement procedures, use thrust reduction techniques after takeoff, and limit the use of reverse thrust when landing. Helicopter pilots coordinate with air traffic control to follow preferred noise-friendly routes.
Our Airport Noise and Operations Monitoring System (ANOMS) continuously tracks flights, collects noise data, and identifies trends. This information allows us to work with operators to address recurring issues, adjust procedures, and—when necessary—recommend changes to flight patterns or aircraft usage.
Part 150 Study
Centennial Airport is currently undergoing its second FAA Part 150 Noise Compatibility Study, a comprehensive review process designed to evaluate aircraft noise impacts on surrounding communities and recommend strategies for mitigation. The airport completed its first Part 150 study in 2008, followed by a Noise Exposure Map (NEM) update in 2016 to reflect changes in operations and community growth. This second study, which involves close collaboration with stakeholders, residents, and regulatory agencies, is expected to be completed in 2026, providing updated data and recommendations to help balance the airport’s operations with community concerns.
Our Commitment to the Community
We recognize that an active airport will always generate noise, but through careful planning, continuous monitoring, and strong partnerships with pilots, operators, and local authorities, we work to keep noise levels as low as possible.
