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.
Air Force depots are not typically meant for quick repair jobs, but during Operation Epic Fury, the service moved some of its stateside heavy maintenance capability forward to fix battle-damaged aircraft closer to the fight.
