The Airport Noise and Capacity Act of 1990 created which part and placed a cap on the number of which aircraft operating in the US?

• A. part 161; stage 2 aircraft
• B. part 150; stage 3 aircraft
• C. part 36; stage 1 aircraft
• D. part 139; stage 4 aircraft

Answer: (A)

The question tests understanding of how the Airport Noise and Capacity Act (ANCA) handled regulatory authority and aircraft noise. ANCA created a specific regulatory pathway, Part 161, that governs how airports can study and implement noise-related measures and obtain FAA approval for restrictions and procedures aimed at reducing noise. Along with that framework, it set a cap on the number of Stage 2 aircraft—older, louder jets—allowed to operate in the United States, encouraging operators to retire or replace them with quieter Stage 3 aircraft.

So, the combination of a Part 161 framework and a limit on Stage 2 aircraft is the correct reflection of ANCA’s approach. Other parts referenced relate to different FAA areas (noise studies in Part 150, general aircraft noise standards in Part 36, and airport certification in Part 139) and do not describe the specific cap described by ANCA.