Burbank Authority Seeks To Expand Curfew

The Burbank, Calif., airport authority is considering using an FAA noise study to expand an overnight curfew at Burbank-Glendale-Pasadena Airport (BUR). The draft proposal is contained in an ongoing FAA Part 161 noise study typically required before an airport can implement aircraft operating restrictions. The Burbank proposal would close the airport to all operations– regardless of aircraft noise level–between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. This is the first time the Part 161 process is being used to impose a curfew on all aircraft, according to AOPA. There is a night curfew currently in effect at BUR, but it applies only to non-Stage 3 airplanes. NBAA is concerned that the proposal will have a “devastating effect” on business aviation operations at BUR and set a dangerous precedent nationally. Fines for operating during the proposed curfew period would range from $1,000 for the first violation, up to $5,000 for the fourth violation, in addition to a possible ban on access or lease termination.