FLY FRIENDLY PROGRAM
A29 / +09Q
By following Sitka’s Seaplane Base Fly Friendly Program, we can reduce aircraft noise over our neighborhoods and communities. The city is not recommending any unsafe practices but encourages a thoughtful effort to help the City and Borough be a good neighbor.
Airport Features:
Airport Information:
FLY FRIENDLY CHECKLIST
What pilots can do to help reduce noise over Sitka neighborhoods:
✔Utilize the entire length of the runways, minimize conflicts with SIT air traffic;
Typically an aircraft can reach an altitude that minimizes the noise impact to the surrounding areas by using the entire length of the runways for departures (keeping most of the noise at the airport). Aircraft departing RWY 30 should remain 1/4 mile off the HPR shoreline below an altitude of 1000’ to limit conflicts with SIT air traffic. Aircraft departing RWY 12 should fly out over Crescent Bay or over the Eastern Channel until reaching an altitude of 1000’ before changing course for intended destination to limit conflicts with SIT air traffic.
✔Follow the established traffic pattern; Do not make an early turn on departure.
Aircrafts that minimize flying over residential neighborhoods by remaining in the established traffic pattern will limit noise impacts to surrounding residential areas.
✔Maintain the lowest propeller RPM setting necessary for safe flight; Use the appropriate power needed for your situation and aircraft.
Flying with the lowest practical RPM setting will reduce the noise level substantially, specifically when conducting training flights. Once airborne, aircrafts should reduce power to the extent possible while maintaining safe flight until clear of the channel area.
✔Plan training activities during daylight hours; Limit training activities (touch & goes) during the late-night hours (Alaska summer daylight last well into normal nighttime activities);
Plan touch & goes during the daytime hours between 0700 and 1900 when possible; late night arrivals or departures should be minimized, one-time events. Training activities such as touch and goes should be conducted at a nearby lake such as Redoubt Lake when practical.
✔Taxiing within the Western Anchorage
Sitka recommends that all floatplane pilots maintain the lowest safe RPM settings while taxiing to reduce noise impacts on nearby residents and facilities. Pilots are also requested to avoid taxiing close to shore whenever operationally feasible, particularly near SEARHC properties, to help minimize disturbance to patients and staff. Your cooperation supports our shared goal of reducing noise while maintaining safe and efficient operations.
