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Airplanes and Noise
The Village regularly contacts the Chicago Department of Aviation regarding resident complaints of low flying airplanes and associated noise. Officials from the Chicago Department of Aviation have explained that shifts in wind patterns can contribute to the use of different runway configurations and that these alternate flight paths are more impactful to our community.
Specifically, a prevailing wind from the southeast normally results in aircraft landing into the wind on Midway runway 13C. This configuration place aircraft over Hinsdale. It is important to note that the modified flight paths are a function of weather and are typically triggered in the spring and occurs on average 13% of the time. Since 2013, there have not been any permanent changes to flight patterns at Midway Airport.
The Village has been in contact with federal Representatives to inquire if the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) can utilize alternative paths to lessen the impact on Hinsdale residents. Because of Hinsdale’s proximity and the orientation of the runways at Midway Airport, options to change flight paths are limited.
In February 2021, the Hinsdale Village Board approved an Intergovernmental Agreement between the city of Chicago and the Village of Hinsdale authorizing the Village of Hinsdale’s participation as a member of the Midway and O’Hare Noise Compatibility Commissions.
The Midway and O’Hare Commissions may make recommendations to the City regarding noise reduction programs at Midway including, but not limited to, the use of new technologies and flight patterns, preferential runway usage, the implementation of sound insulation programs, and the implementation of FAA standard noise abatement, take-off, and high-altitude approach procedures. No such recommendations shall be submitted to the FAA or implemented by the City without the prior approval of the Midway and O’Hare Commissions. The Midway Commission also shall cooperate with the City in seeking agreements with the airlines using Midway and the FAA, as appropriate, with respect to aircraft noise mitigation and related matters.
Residents are encouraged to use the Chicago Department of Aviation’s online flight tracker at https://webtrak.emsbk.com/cda to better understand flight activity into and out of Midway Airport and O'Hare Airport or the Midway Airport noise management page at https://www.flychicago.com/community/mdwnoise/pages/default.aspx
The Chicago Department of Aviation also maintains a toll-free noise hotline at 1-800-435-9569 or 1-800-914-8537 (311 number for suburban communities).
You may also contact Congressman Jesus G. "Chuy" Garcia's Office at 773-475-0833.
Midway Noise Compatibility Commission Reports
O'Hare Noise Compatibility Commission Reports
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