Fly Quiet program

The philosophy of King County International Airport is that voluntary compliance and pilot participation in its Fly Quiet Awareness and Incentives programs are critical to achieving successful noise management.

To achieve universal compliance, King County International Airport operates a comprehensive noise monitoring and flight tracking database information system and has strategically located noise monitors to measure and report decibel levels of flights.

Note: This Web site is intended for informational purposes only—maps are not for navigation.

Fly Quiet flight procedures

• Maintain highest FAA-advised altitude over noise-sensitive residential areas identified in yellow on the noise chart in our pilot’s brochure (reference VFR proceedings for noise-sensitive areas in FAA A/C 91-36C).
• Use alternative approaches over Elliott Bay when feasible.
• Use FAA-advised close-in departure for north flow flights. (Reference standard close-in flight procedure by aircraft type in FAA A/C 91-53A.)
• Honor voluntary curfew of nighttime engine maintenance run-ups.

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Preferred VFR Fly Quiet flight procedures

• Remain clear of Seattle Class Bravo at highest practical altitude on the approach until intercepting the PAPI (2 light) or glideslope unless directed otherwise by ATC.
• Runway 13R/31L is KBFI’s main runway and is available 24/7. Runway 13L/31R lights are not normally available between 10 PM and 7 AM.
• Runway 13L arrivals and departures should not cross the 13R centerline, and remain well east of it.
• During preflight, reduce power as quickly as possible after mag check and prop cycling.
• Climb after takeoff at best-angle-of-climb speed until crossing the airport boundary to contain noise over the runway: then climb at best rate. Make no turns until reaching end of runway, unless intructed otherwise.
• Reduce power and rpm when altitude is reached and remain high as practical over residential areas.
• Pilots are requested to operate their aircraft at the most reduced power settings in the traffc pattern or while entering the pattern consistent with safety.
• No “touch-and-go” landings and takeoffs are allowed between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m.: K.C.C. Title 15.16.150.
• Helicopters should transition north and south over the railroad tracks or as instructed by ATC.

Online Fly Quiet pledge form

After reading the Fly Quiet flight procedures above, pilots may fill out an online pledge form.

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