Flying Friendly - A Resident's Guide

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Introduction

Johnston Regional Airport (JNX)is a general aviation facility located within Johnston County, North Carolina. Owned and operated by the Johnston County Airport Authority, the airport is a valuable asset to the community that fulfills an important role in the region's air transportation system with activities that include recreational aviation, flight training, and corporate/business aviation, and life-saving medical flight operations. JNX is committed to providing modern, safe and secure facilities through a progressive capital improvement program. The airport is equally dedicated to being a good neighbor by minimizing the impact of aircraft operations and development on the environment and neighboring communities. This guide provides information on aircraft sound exposure for our citizens who already reside nearby and for those who are considering relocating within the vicinity of the airport to assist with making informed home purchasing decisions.

 

A Busy Airport 

Johnston Regional Airport is open 24 hours per day, 365 days per year, and is the home of Duke Life Flight Air helicopter ambulance service. Thousands of pilots, business professionals, and leisure travelers fly through Johnston County every year. With over 100 based aircraft, 250+ takeoffs and landings per day, and an on-site flight school conducting touch-and-go operations, there is always activity at JNX.

 

What is Noise?

A decibel is a unit used to measure the intensity of a sound. "Noise" can be defined as unwanted sound but is very subjective. For example, 80 decibels (dB) of aircraft sound may be considered noise, while 80+ dB of your favorite music might not.

 

Aircraft Noise Exposure

• Currently, all based aircraft at JNX meet strict Federal Aviation Administration noise emission requirements. However, at times, there may be older aircraft using the airport that could generate more noise.
• Due to lower power settings used when landing versus taking off, arriving aircraft are generally quieter than departing aircraft, but these perceptions can be altered because of the altitude of the aircraft being lower during an approach to the runway.
• Aircraft flying at night tend to be perceived as louder, despite there being no actual difference, because of lower levels of interfering ambient sound.
• Weather, performance characteristics, or traffic conditions may occasionally require some aircraft to deviate from normal arrival and departure patterns.
• Not all aircraft in the skies above Johnston County are from JNX. Much of the airspace above Johnston County is busy with large commercial or military aircraft year-round.

 

Important to Note

Although pilots at JNX maintain a regular traffic pattern, FAA regulations permit aircraft to fly anywhere over Johnston Regional and its neighboring communities. The FAA requires all aircraft to maintain a minimum altitude of 500 feet above ground level, except when necessary for taking off and landing. To mitigate aircraft noise levels, flying friendly programs have been orchestrated, and continue to be refined to ensure minimal noise is produced. Ultimately, no Municipality or County has the legal authority to regulate where or at what altitude an aircraft may fly.

 

Considering a Home Nearby?

Before buying, review community growth plans, zoning maps, and visit the airport. Our Team would appreciate the opportunity to meet with you! Also we encourage you to spend time during a weekend observing aircraft activity on a clear day when flight training and activity is at its highest in order to find out what you may experience living near the airport. Ensure that your real estate agent has the most current information regarding the airport and local development projects. Airport plans may change to meet current and future air transportation needs.

 

Airport Contact

We live and work in Johnston County, and we pride ourselves on our ability to meet the air transportation needs of this region. If you have a concern please contact us during normal business hours, and we would be glad to speak with you about your concern. Please resist the urge to report every aircraft you see or hear. Aircraft operating at JNX may be seen and heard at least four miles from the airport on a regular basis and this type of reporting does little to help airport management identify and address atypical noise events.

 

Airport Influence Area

The area influenced by JNX’s rules and regulations extends several miles from the airport’s boundaries. The Airport Influence Area is the area around JNX where airport-related noise, over flight, safety, and/or airspace protection factors may affect the lives and property of occupants on land in the vicinity of the airport. The influence area extends 10,000 feet off the end of each runway end.

 

Contacting the Federal Aviation Administration - FAA

As previously stated, the airport has no regulatory jurisdiction over aircraft in flight. If you believe that a specific aircraft is violating federal aviation regulations and would like to file an official complaint, contact the FAA’s Greensboro Flight Standards District Office at 336-369-3900

 

 

3149 Swift Creek Rd.

Smithfield, NC 27577

919-934-0992

www.jnxairport.com