Connecticut Challenges FAA Flight Path Plan

Connecticut has sued to block new Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) flight paths that route more large planes lower over southwestern Connecticut to the detriment of the region's environment. The lawsuit cited increased air traffic over western Connecticut -- as many as 150 additional planes per day -- and enlarged holding patterns over many Fairfield County towns that are deemed unacceptable. The state said the FAA failed to consider and analyze the impact of increased noise on residents and state parks. "This is about environmental, safety and quality of life issues. Increased noise levels and emissions from more planes flying lower will damage our quality of life, our environment and potentially the property taxes in the affected towns,” the lawsuit states. "Safety and efficiency are critical, but the FAA can relieve airport congestion without bombarding southeastern Connecticut with the roar of low-flying aircraft,” it added. Several months ago, the FAA proposed to revamp the East Coast airspace. The airspace redesign involves a 31,000-square-mile area over New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware and Connecticut. The FAA says the redesign will simplify the current air traffic system while reducing fuel consumption, carbon emissions and aircraft noise. The FAA said flight delays would he reduced and half a million fewer people would be exposed to noise under the plan.