Noise Forum Draws Strong Attendance
July’s Noise Advisory Forum (NAF) brought together more than 30 community members interested in learning more about aircraft noise and long-term Airport planning and development. The July 8 meeting at the CLT Center was the third of four meetings this year.
Neighborhoods represented at the recent NAF included Berewick, Belmont, Southpark, Mountain Island Lake, Little Rock Crossing, Cooley Hills and the River District, as well as cities outside the Charlotte area, such as Fort Mill, S.C. and Lake Wylie, S.C.
The NAF was established last year to foster open and constructive dialogue between the City of Charlotte Aviation Department and impacted communities.
Mooresville resident and former Airport Community Roundtable (ACR) Board Member Kevin Vesely said his ongoing concern is that arriving aircraft descend too quickly and remain at low altitudes longer than necessary before landing.
“When you watch the planes land on FlightAware.com, you can clearly see they’re coming in at 10,000 feet, and then 3,900 feet, and they continue for 20 or 30 miles,” said Vesely. “When they come down like this, they go across all our neighborhoods and make noise.”
NEPA & Possible Flight Path Changes
Attendees at the July meeting also learned more about the Airport’s Master Plan 2050 and the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), which outlines how flight path changes will be evaluated with the addition of CLT’s new Fourth Parallel Runway.
The new 10,000-foot runway (1C-19C) will be used primarily for departures and will enhance overall airfield operational efficiency.
“We want to first avoid environmental impacts,” said Michael Pilarski, CLT Airport Planning Program Manager. “If we can’t avoid them outright, we want to minimize those impacts, and if that is still difficult, we will mitigate to the best of our abilities. And as the NEPA process unfolds, public input is a major part, so we want to hear from you. Having community interest is critical and very important to us.”
Possible operational changes could include adopting divergent headings—which would spread post-takeoff flight paths over a wider area—and eliminating the current two-mile turning restriction, allowing departing aircraft to turn sooner.
Public meetings are expected later this year. Community members are encouraged to watch for future announcements with details on meeting dates, locations and opportunities to participate.
The Airport will consider those comments and make recommendations based on the environmental assessment of the new runway, which is underway. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will then review those recommendations and make its own.
The Fourth Parallel Runway is scheduled to be commissioned in late September 2027.
Improved Noise Complaint Form & Mobile Webform
CLT has unveiled an improved noise complaint form for those who need it. July NAF attendees also received the first preview of CLT’s new mobile webform – designed to make submitting and tracking noise concerns easier and more accessible.
CLT is one of the busiest airports in the world for aircraft operations, with more than 1,600 daily arrivals and departures to more than 190 destinations. The Airport plays a vital role in the Carolinas’ economy, generating an estimated $40 billion in economic impact and supporting 185,000 jobs annually.
Aircraft noise is a reality of any busy airport, and CLT recognizes that it can impact nearby communities, which is why CLT remains dedicated to transparent communication with the public.
Upcoming Forum Dates & Topics
October’s NAF will feature the next part of our ongoing educational series - how community members shaped the flight path changes being considered by the FAA.
All Noise Advisory Forums are held in person from 6-8 p.m. at the CLT Center (5601 Wilkinson Blvd., Charlotte, NC 28208). Snacks and soft drinks will be provided.
The next meeting dates are:
- Oct.14, 2026
- Jan.13, 2027
- April 14, 2027
Parking is offered in Express Deck Self Park. Please bring your tickets to be validated. For detailed parking instructions, email: noiseoffice@cltairport.com.