Jet Owners Sue Over Noise Limits

A national trade group of business jet owners has sued the city of Los Angeles over its noise abatement rules for Van Nuys Airport, the busiest general aviation airport in the country.

Several private jet-related businesses at the airport joined in the suit filed in U.S. District Court in Los Angeles on Tuesday. The suit was served on the city on Wednesday.

The major point of contention is a rule, approved by the City Council and Airport Commission in April, that restricts use of some older, noisier aircraft known as Stage II jets that generally make more noise than newer models.

“There are hundreds and hundreds of Stage II business jets still in use in this country and around the world,” said Andrew Plump, a Washington, D.C.-based lawyer representing the jet owners and businesses. “The regulations discriminate unfairly against the aircraft and their owners.”

The city regulations involve only Stage II jets that generate more than 77 decibels. And it exempts jets that were based at the airport as of last year. Stage II jets that were not based at Van Nuys as of last year are now only allowed to be at the airport for up to 30 days in a calendar year.

Mark Sullivan, owner of Skytrails Aviation, which maintains and houses private jets at the airport, said his business relies on this type of aircraft.

“It’s about 35% to 40%, a big chunk,” said Sullivan, who joined the suit.

Bret Lobner, senior counsel with the Los Angeles city attorney’s office, countered that the restrictions are legal and necessary. “There are economic impacts that result from this kind of regulation,” Lobner said. “On the other side, we have to address the issues of noise and its reduction for the communities in the San Fernando Valley.”

Lobner said he believes that the suit, which calls the restrictions unconstitutional, is baseless.