FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PORTLAND, ORE. (Dec. 15, 2008) – PDX Unveils Latest Tool in Aircraft Noise Management

WebTrak Gives Community Easy Access to Flight Information

Portland International Airport neighbors with questions or concerns about a noisy flight, now have a new resource at their fingertips.

Port of Portland today launched WebTrak, an online flight tracking system covering the greater Portland/Vancouver area. WebTrak offers a wealth of information about each flight, ranging from altitude and direction to aircraft type and airline to flight or tail number. For security purposes, the system is delayed 90 minutes and does not show government, military or law enforcement flights. 

Area residents with high speed internet connections can access WebTrak via the “noise management” tab at www.pdx.com. A tutorial is available in the “help” menu. Email and telephone contact information is available for the Port noise management department for assistance, additional information, or to report a concern.

“WebTrak responds to community interest in easily obtaining information about flights causing noise concerns in our region,” said Jason Schwartz, Port noise management manager. “The system also makes it easy for our neighbors to reach us for assistance, including further investigating concerns.”

Concerns submitted to the Port noise management team are thoroughly investigated, and staff usually respond within 48 hours. In some cases, the information provided by citizens or obtained during the investigation, is used to refine the noise abatement program and in discussions with aircraft operators.

WebTrak came about as a result of community interest expressed during the recent update of the PDX Part 150 Noise Compatibility Study, and during regular meetings of the PDX Citizen Noise Advisory Committee. The system was established as part of other improvements to the Airport Noise and Operations Monitoring System, used by Port noise management staff. Key partners in the project include the Federal Aviation Administration, and Lochard, the system manufacturer.