The Village has noted a recent increase in calls from concerned residents regarding what seems to be an unusual amount of airplane traffic over the area.  In response to resident concerns, Village staff has researched the issue, which is related to traffic patterns at Chicago Midway International Airport (Midway).

• The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) manages the National Air Transportation System.   In this role, the FAA determines how the airspace is used and sets forth aircraft arrival and departure procedures for airports.
• Over the last several years, the FAA has used satellite based navigation procedures to streamline the arrival and departure paths.
• Hinsdale has always been located in the arrival and departure paths for aircraft using for Midway.   This runway configuration, however, is used infrequently – an approximate 10% of the airport’s annual aircraft operations.  
• Numerous factors determine which runway configuration is utilized at an airport, including weather, winds, aircraft capabilities, etc.
• From time to time, airport runways are closed for maintenance and/or rehabilitation.  For this active runway rehabilitation project, most of the work occurs during the nighttime hours.   There are five 56-hour closures of the intersecting runway – four of which have already been completed.  Of these four closures, only two resulted in increased flight activity over Hinsdale.   

The Village encourages residents to direct inquiries or complaints related to air traffic to the Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA) via this link, or by phone at 800-914-8537.  Information about Midway’s airport noise mitigation programs is also available on the CDA’s website at www.flychicago.com/midway.