By Jan Axelson
Northside News
“It’s not going to be a quick solve.” This statement from panel moderator David Beurle captured the mood at a June community conversation about noise from the F35 fighter jets.
The F35 Community Connection Project has a mission of strengthening the relationship between the local community and the 115th Fighter Wing of the Air National Guard. The fighter wing, based at Truax airfield at the Dane County Airport, flies 20 F35 fighter jets. The wing has about 30 pilots.
In June, the project sponsored two community conversations for the public to share information and ideas and receive answers to questions about the F35s and the Guard. A Department of Defense grant funded the conversations.
Panel members included Leslie Westmont of the Wisconsin Department of Military Affairs, Col. Bart Van Roo of the 115th Fighter Wing, Col. Ben Gerds of the 115th Fighter Wing Operations Group, and Chris “Desi” Arenz of the Badger Air Community Council. David Beurle of the Future iQ consulting company moderated the discussion.
At the events, Beurle showed data from recent public surveys. While many respondents expressed pride and excitement for Madison to host the Guard, a number almost as large had concerns about noise, safety and other issues. Those in the 53704 zip code had the most noise concerns and perceived the F35s as much louder than the F16s previously based at Truax.
Col. Van Roo explained actions the Guard is taking to minimize noise. To avoid more populated areas, about 75%–80% of the F35 takeoffs are to the north. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) controls the takeoff and landing decisions, which depend in part on wind direction and traffic flow at the airport.
Afterburners, a component that increases thrust but also noise levels, are used on only about 2% of takeoffs. During hot weather, afterburners may be needed to increase thrust. Last summer some flights were canceled due to heat. To reduce noise on arrival, the jets begin coasting in starting at about 9,000 feet of altitude.
On a typical day, 2–4 aircraft fly in mid-morning and early afternoon, though the time and number can vary. To reduce late night takeoffs, night flights are typically scheduled in winter when it’s dark earlier. The total number of flights has been reduced due to a new simulator that pilots can use to log some of their required hours.
Something not under the control of the local Guard is military aircraft from other bases that fly into Truax. These aircraft might not follow the same protocols for reducing noise. In fact, shortly before the June 8 meeting, many participants experienced two very loud F18s taking off.
Van Roo reported that the Department of Defense is becoming more aware of noise as an issue and in the future may offer grants for planning and noise mitigation. Another possible funding source is existing grants for energy savings that also reduce noise.
Reflecting the divided opinions on the F35s, comments from participants included strong support for the Guard in Madison as well as reports of extreme noise and pleas to do more to reduce the impact of noise on residents.
Learn more about the F35 Community Connection Project at madisonf35.com.
