Burbank Airport Noise Footprint

Re “Still Not Off the Ground,” May 5.

Reading the article regarding noise levels at the Burbank Airport and looking at the map outlining the noise footprint in 1978 compared to 1999, I was shocked. Even though the number of flights has nearly doubled in the past dozen years, the footprint has shrunk rather significantly.

According to the map, I am now well outside of the footprint where noise levels exceed 70 decibels (“about as loud as a vacuum cleaner”). I wonder why then that beginning around 6:45 every morning, my house literally rattles when the jets begin their constant procession. I would not be exaggerating when I say that the noise levels in my home are usually closer to the sound of a lawn mower than a vacuum cleaner.

The city needs to take action in disputing yet another ridiculous claim made by the airport. The airlines are no different than the tobacco industry--it is all about money, and they will continue to propagate lies to meet their end objective.

GORDON McCORMACK

Burbank