Avelo launches from McKinney as Fairview residents cite 76-decibel noise spikes

76 decibels. That is the peak noise level recorded at monitoring sites in eastern Fairview, Texas, according to an independent study commissioned by the town. The data was collected between May 17 and May 23 at six locations. Four of those sites exceeded the Environmental Protection Agency’s 55-decibel day-night average noise guideline. The remaining two sites recorded levels just below that threshold.

The noise concerns have intensified as commercial aviation expands in the region. Avelo Airlines is set to begin commercial passenger flights from McKinney National Airport on Wednesday, Nov. 11. The carrier will operate Boeing 737-800 aircraft. Initially, the airline plans approximately 40 takeoffs and landings per week. Its network is expected to grow to 11 destinations, including Las Vegas, Orlando, Tampa, Fort Lauderdale, Fort Myers, Atlanta, Denver, Nashville, New Orleans, Sarasota, and West Palm Beach.

Residents of Heritage Ranch, a community for adults 55 and older in Fairview, report that air traffic has increased over the past two decades. Ben Brown, who has lived in the neighborhood for 20 years, noted that private jet and flight training activity has already altered the local atmosphere. Brown, founder of the North Texas Conservation Association, helped arrange the noise study at the request of the Town of Fairview.

“More larger flights from passenger jets are going to really interrupt our lifestyle,” Brown said. The study indicated that monitoring occurred during a period of lighter-than-normal airport activity. During the busiest day of the monitoring period, more than 60% of propeller aircraft noise readings exceeded 60 decibels. Aircraft passed overhead as frequently as every two to 2 1/2 minutes at times. Some of the highest average noise levels were recorded in areas approximately three miles south of the runway.

Fairview officials are seeking action from the city of McKinney. On Nov. 3, the Fairview Town Council approved a resolution requesting that McKinney provide a noise mitigation plan within 30 days. The council also asked McKinney to present a funding plan for noise reduction improvements to affected homes. Additionally, the town requested that McKinney immediately apply for a Federal Aviation Administration Part 150 noise study. This study would formally evaluate aircraft noise and identify potential measures to reduce its impact.

Fairview officials are also asking McKinney to consider changes to flight operations. These changes include having departing aircraft use more of the runway before takeoff to gain additional altitude before flying over Fairview. The town is also requesting consideration of restrictions on when aircraft can take off and land.

Fairview Mayor John Hubbard said the town is not seeking to stop commercial flights. “We can't stop the flights. We know that. But we can hopefully work with the city of McKinney and come up with a solution that makes it happy for us and that's something that the citizens can live with,” Hubbard said. In response, the city of McKinney stated it remains committed to meeting all applicable regulatory requirements while responsibly operating the airport to serve the growing region. Avelo Airlines has not responded to requests for comment.

Avelo’s first commercial flight from McKinney is scheduled to depart at 9 a.m. on Nov. 11, bound for Fort Myers, Florida. Fairview has scheduled a town hall meeting from 7 to 9 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 23, at Heritage Ranch to discuss the issue. Brown expressed concern that increased flight activity could affect property values and influence whether residents choose to remain in the neighborhood. “That's going to cause some folks to pause on whether they want to live here or not, or whether they want to move out or not,” Brown said.