This letter to airman informs all user groups of an aircraft noise abatement program at New Orleans International Airport. Past experience indicates that an informal runway use program would attain desired noise abatement over the affected areas in the vicinity of the New Orleans International Airport.

The control of air traffic in accordance with the informal runway use program is secondary only to the consideration of safety. This program has been developed in the public’s interest and may in some cases result in operational penalties. The procedures outlined herein apply to all turbojet aircraft.

The following runways are designated as noise sensitive:

1. Runway 29 for landing.
2. Runway 20 for landing between 2200 and 0600 LST.
3. Runways 2 and 11 for departure.

Heavily populated areas close to the airport require:

1. Aircraft be established on final no closer than 5 miles from the approach end of the runway.
2. Aircraft departing runways 2 and 11 will fly runway heading until leaving 3,000 feet.
3. Aircraft departing runway 20 will fly runway heading until leaving 2,000 feet.
4. Aircraft departing runway 29 will turn no further right than 330 degrees until leaving 3,000 feet. Aircraft departing runway 29 southwest bound will turn no further left than 250 degrees until leaving 3,000 feet. Aircraft departing runway 29 bound south through southeast may be issued an unrestricted left turn.

Wind direction and velocity will be given to each pilot, either by the Automatic Terminal Information System (ATIS) or by the controller. The wind will not be described as calm unless the velocity is three knots or less.

Should the pilot prefer to use a different runway, the pilot is expected to advise Air Traffic Control. Pilot cooperation with the traffic flow is requested to preclude traffic conflicts. Requests from pilots will be honored, traffic permitting. However, the pilot will be informed if the runway requested is “noise sensitive and available for operational necessity only.” The Aviation Board may request the user verify a requirement to use a noise sensitive runway.

Your support in helping to make these procedures a success is appreciated. If you have any questions or need additional information please contact New Orleans Tower at 504-471-4300.