FOR
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PORTLAND,
ORE. (OCT. 9, 2009) - PORT SUPPORTS OREGON AIR NATIONAL
GUARD LANDING PROCEDURE AT PDX
Port
of Portland will support a request from the Oregon Air National Guard 142nd
Fighter Wing to conduct continuous descent overhead approach landings with some
restrictions when training at Portland International Airport.
The landing
procedure increases pilot safety when landing in combat situations. During the
procedure, F-15 pilots begin their descent from a high altitude, reduce power
and then circle close to the airport while landing.
Last
month, the PDX Citizen Noise Advisory Committee recommended the Port support
the military’s request with the following restrictions:
·
Weekdays only.
·
9 a.m.-5 p.m. only.
·
South runway only.
·
Weather ceiling of at least 5,000
feet.
·
Minimum of five mile visibility.
·
Two jet maximum formation.
·
Status reports to committee every
six months.
Committee
members recommended an initial test of the procedure in May 2008, resulting in
the committee and Port supporting a longer test spanning from October
2008-March 2009. The committee observed the procedure again on Aug. 1, and at
their Aug. 13 meeting, discussed their observations, heard comments from the
community, and reviewed noise data and community feedback collected. Final
coordination is now underway with the Federal Aviation Administration and the
Oregon Air National Guard.