Aviation Case Study

CHAPTER IV: ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS IN AVIATION

Aviation is a critical part of our national economy, providing for the movement of people and goods throughout the world, enabling our economic growth. In the last 35 years there has been a six-fold increase in the mobility provided by the U.S. air transportation system. At the same time there has been a 60% improvement in aircraft fuel efficiency and a 95% reduction in the number of people impacted by aircraft noise.

Despite this progress, and despite aviation’s relatively small environmental impact in the United States, there is a compelling and urgent need to address the environmental effects of air transportation. Because of strong growth in demand, emissions of some pollutants from aviation are increasing against a background of emissions reductions from many other sources. In addition, progress on noise reduction has slowed. Millions of people are adversely affected by these side effects of aviation. As a result of these factors and the rising value being placed on environmental quality, there are increasing constraints on the mobility, economic vitality and security of the nation. Airport expansion plans have been delayed or cancelled due to concerns over local air quality, water quality and community noise impacts.

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In addition, progress on noise reduction has slowed. Although it depends on the metric used, estimates suggest that millions of people are adversely affected by these side effects of aviation. Because of these factors and the rising value placed on environmental quality, there are increasing constraints on the mobility, economic vitality and security of the nation. Airport expansion plans have been delayed and cancelled due to local air quality, water quality and community noise