Fairview, Texas – As Avelo Airlines prepares to begin commercial service from McKinney National Airport on Wednesday, Nov. 11, homeowners in the town’s Heritage Ranch senior community are voicing serious concerns about aircraft noise. The town council acted on Nov. 3, approving a resolution that asks McKinney to develop a comprehensive noise‑mitigation plan within 30 days and to seek a Federal Aviation Administration Part 150 study.
Independent study shows noise levels above EPA limits
Ben Brown, a 20‑year resident of Heritage Ranch and founder of the North Texas Conservation Association, helped commission an independent noise study at the request of Fairview officials. The study monitored six locations in eastern Fairview from May 17 to May 23. Four of the six sites recorded day‑night average noise levels above the Environmental Protection Agency’s 55‑decibel guideline, while the remaining two sites fell just below the threshold.
During the busiest monitoring day, more than 60% of propeller‑aircraft readings exceeded 60 decibels, with peak levels reaching 76 decibels. Aircraft passed overhead as often as every two to two‑and‑a‑half minutes, even though the monitoring period coincided with lighter‑than‑normal airport activity.
Town council seeks practical solutions
Fairview Mayor John Hubbard emphasized that the town is not seeking to halt commercial flights, but rather to work collaboratively with McKinney to protect residents’ quality of life. “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.
The council’s resolution asks McKinney to:
- Provide a noise‑mitigation plan within 30 days.
- Present a funding plan for noise‑reduction improvements to affected Fairview homes.
- Apply immediately for an FAA Part 150 noise study.
- Consider operational changes, such as allowing departing aircraft to use more runway before takeoff to gain altitude before crossing Fairview.
- Explore restrictions on takeoff and landing times.
City of McKinney’s response
McKinney officials responded that they remain committed to meeting all applicable regulatory requirements while responsibly operating the airport to serve the growing North Texas region. The city has not yet detailed specific mitigation measures, but indicated willingness to engage with Fairview leaders.
Potential impact on property values
Brown warned that increased flight activity could affect property values and influence residents’ decisions to stay in the community. “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,” he said.
Upcoming town hall
Fairview has scheduled a town hall meeting for Monday, Nov. 23, from 7 to 9 p.m. at Heritage Ranch to discuss the noise issue and gather additional input from residents.
Avelo’s inaugural flight from McKinney is set for 9 a.m. on Nov. 11, bound for Fort Myers, Florida, with an initial schedule of roughly 40 takeoffs and landings per week. The airline plans to expand to 11 destinations, including Las Vegas, Orlando, Tampa, Fort Lauderdale, Atlanta, Denver, Nashville, New Orleans, Sarasota and West Palm Beach.
While Avelo has not responded to NBC 5’s request for comment, the town’s proactive stance reflects a commitment to safeguarding the quiet, family‑friendly atmosphere that long‑time Fairview residents cherish.
Original reporting: Richardson, TX News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
