Which act enacted in 1979 provided a basis for the majority of noise abatement planning at airports?

• A. The airport safety and noise abatement act of 1979 (ASNA)
• B. The Airport Noise Control Act of 1970
• C. The Aviation Noise Abatement Act of 1985
• D. The Noise Control Act of 1972

Answer: (A)

The main idea is that federal law created a formal framework for handling airport noise through planning and mitigation. The act enacted in 1979 established the requirements for airports to develop noise compatibility programs and tied federal support to implementing noise abatement measures. This made airport-specific noise planning a standard practice, guiding how airports assess noise impacts, coordinate land use around flight paths, and pursue mitigation options with funding and regulatory backing. While general noise statutes set broad policy on noise reduction, they don’t provide the targeted mechanisms for airport-specific planning that this act did.