Aircraft also climb slower in hot, humid air. Additionally, sound conducts better, and therefore is louder, when the air is dense. Also, during the warmer months construction projects on the airport increase and result in runway closings, which significantly reduce the flexibility to rotate runways, and therefore, the ability to avoid frequent overflights of the same communities. These maintenance projects are necessary to ensure the safety of flight operations. Wind direction, however, is the primary determining factor in runway selection.
Aircraft operate best when flying into the wind.
The FAA is in the early stages of a comprehensive airspace redesign project. Beginning with the airspace in our tri-state area, we will examine and consider many flight path alternatives. Changes to the current structure are anticipated because there will be a greater reliance on satellite based navigation and less on ground based aids. However, this study will take several years to complete. Updates on the redesign project and announcements about public meetings to solicit public comment will appear on this web site.