distinguished between concepts of annoyance and interference produced by
aircraft sound. Annoyance is an emotional reaction, while interference is
more of a subjective judgment. Studies have indicated that if visitors know
that they could see or hear aircraft while in a remote area, they are less
annoyed by aircraft noise. Inhabitants of the Base and surrounding
communities have lived with a military presence since the establishment of
Eglin AFB in 1935 and the Valparaiso Bombing and Gunnery Base. Based on
the analysis, the conclusion was that an increase in sound would not
significantly affect the setting or experiences that people have on or off Base.
Findings
The most significant environmental impacts associated with basing
F‐35B aircraft at MCAS Cherry Point are anticipated to be related to
noise generated during operation of the aircraft.
MCAS Cherry Point controls one MTR that traverse Beaufort County on
a north‐south vector and through southwestern Bertie County. It is
likely that F‐35B aircraft from the Air Station would use this MTR to
access the DCR, along with the other military airspace surrounding
DCR, though noise generated by the F‐35B is comparable to the F/A‐18
currently flown at the Air Station.
ISSUE
LAS‐5
Restricted General Aviation Use of Northeast North
Carolina Airspace due to Restricted Areas, Military
Operating Areas and Military Training Routes
Growth at general aviation airports can be hampered by
the complexity of military related Restricted Areas,
Military Operating Areas, and Military Training Routes
that reduce available airspace and access to local
airports.
Compatibility Assessment
Seymour Johnson AFB and DCR share airspace with aircraft from several
primary large and medium hub airports, as well as numerous regional and
general aviation airports. Active coordination and management of the
available airspace mitigates safety hazards and works to preserve the military
mission. Adequate access to air and land is critical to the ability of
Seymour Johnson AFB to train, operate, and execute missions.
The preservation of civilian airports and airfields and their associated
operations is a concern based on the military potentially increasing certain
aviation missions in the area and the community’s desire to expand general
aviation access for economic development. The central concern for the
community is focused on the need to balance both increases in the military
mission and its associated aviation operations with accommodating private
airport viability and growth.
A potential conflict resulting from an increase in commercial aviation
operations is the complexity of military related Restricted Areas, Military
Operating Areas (MOAs), and MTRs that reduce the available airspace and
access to local airports. The competition for available airspace could
potentially cause delays in scheduling and executing military aviation
operations for training purposes, resulting in an impact on overall military
readiness.
Background Report
Page 5.13‐7