Part ____ requires local airports seeking to impose new noise rules such as curfews to perform a cost-benefit analysis including a comprehensive study of the impacts before they can seek approval from the FAA.

• A. Part 161
• B. Part 150
• C. Part 139
• D. Part 77

Answer: (A)

When airports want to impose new noise restrictions, they must go through a formal process that requires showing, with solid analysis, that the proposed limits are justified and will not cause unacceptable side effects. This includes a cost-benefit analysis and a comprehensive study of the impacts, which are reviewed before the FAA will approve the restrictions. This framework is laid out in Part 161, which governs how airports request authorization to impose noise and emission restrictions and how the FAA evaluates those proposals.

Part 161 is the one that specifies the need for evaluating economic and operational impacts (the cost-benefit aspect) and the broad environmental effects of the proposed restrictions before seeking FAA approval. The other parts cover different aspects: Part 150 deals with planning noise programs and community outreach at a broader level, Part 139 concerns airport certification for safety and operations, and Part 77 relates to ensuring safe use of navigable airspace by addressing potential obstructions.