About Test 1

On June 17, 1997, the City of Chicago announced that airlines operating at O’Hare International Airport had agreed to use designated noise abatement flight procedures in accordance with the Fly Quiet Program. This program was implemented in an effort to reduce the impacts of aircraft noise on neighborhoods surrounding O’Hare.

The Fly Quiet Program is a voluntary program that encourages pilots and air traffic controllers to use designated nighttime preferential runways and flight tracks developed by the Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA) in cooperation with the O’Hare Noise Compatibility Commission (ONCC), the airlines and the air traffic controllers. These preferred routes are intended to direct aircraft over less-populated areas, such as forest preserves and highways, as well as commercial and industrial areas.

The Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA) submitted a Fly Quiet Runway Rotation Test (Test 1) to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for approval of a six-month period. The purpose of the test was to evaluate a condition that could be in place until Runway 15/33 is permanently closed. Test 1 occurred during the overnight hours when demand requires one arrival and one departure runway. Test 1 included a 25-week schedule that consisted of 12 weekly periods intended to balance the overnight noise. Each new week began on Sunday evening at 10 p.m. or after when demand allows for one arrival and one departure runway.

Test 1 Request Submittal

Test 1 Request Submittal Appendices

Test 1 Approval Document

Summary Report – Weeks 1-12

Test 1 Results – FINAL

Test 1 Results – Appendix

Test 1 – FAA Comments

The six-month weekly rotation schedule is available in the following formats: