To the editor:

The Ohio State University Airport would like to thank those who participated in the noise study that began in 2007. Expert noise consultants spent two years analyzing operations at the Airport, following standards set by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to ensure safety and provide consistent measures with similar airports.

The study team provided numerous opportunities for input, and considered every idea submitted by the public. Each idea, whether it could or could not work at our airport, was examined and discussed completely and thoroughly at public meetings.

The study could have concluded last year when the analysis and noise model confirmed that the average 65-decibel noise contour -- the critical level identified by all federal agencies -- was almost exclusively on airport property and not in residential neighborhoods. Still, the university proceeded with an effort to identify noise compatibility measures that might reduce the overall noise impact in our neighboring communities. The consultants have recommended 21 measures to be reviewed for possible implementation by the university and the FAA in the coming year.

In a letter to ThisWeek on Nov. 9, Worthington residents John O'Keeffe and Jane Weislogel offered several questions and comments about the study, none of which have merit. For example, in their reference to a single-event value of 85 decibels, they failed to note that the noise impact a person will actually hear is approximately 75 decibels -- the equivalent of being 100 feet from a gas-powered lawnmower.

They also suggested that the consultants did not address issues such as training operations or specific flight tracks over Worthington. In reality, those operations were examined in great detail and discussed extensively in public meetings.

What is often overlooked by residents in the airport vicinity is that safety, both in the air and on the ground, is paramount in every decision made by Air Traffic Control and the pilots. Often, those decisions are dictated by weather, other aircraft in the area and aircraft-operating characteristics.

The airport has been in northwest Columbus for more than 60 years. Our location is convenient to university students for research and flight training as well as to the local community for access to the air transportation system. We are committed to working with our neighbors, and this noise study is just one more example of our interaction with the community.

Doug Hammon
Airport director
Columbus