The latest noise report—formally called the Air Installation Compatible Use Zone—on Langley AFB, Va., shows an overall decrease in “noise contours” despite the addition of the new F-22A, says Maj. Lawrence Spinetta, 1st Fighter Wing chief of safety. The Raptor is louder than the F-15s it is replacing. The last AICUZ report was done 10 years ago, and since then, Langley has instituted various flight management procedures to reduce noise, including designated quiet hours and introduction of “hush houses” for engine test runs, reports Beth Gosslin.
The six-week government shutdown did not affect the hours flown by Air Force pilots, a service spokesperson told Air & Space Forces Magazine—avoiding what could have been a major blow at a time when flying hours are already lower than they have been in decades.
