Centennial Airport Manager of Planning and Development Michael Fronapfel explains the Centennial Airport influence area map at a Castle Pines North Master Association sponsored community meeting. (photo by Terri Wiebold)

by Terri Wiebold

Residents from Castle Pines North (CPN) and surrounding communities gathered at the CPN Community Center on March 28 to learn more about Centennial Airport’s Part 150 Study and to voice concerns regarding recommendations contained in the study.

Since 1998, Centennial Airport, its consultants, and two advisory committees have been working with the FAA on a noise compatibility program for the airport known as the Part 150 Study.

Centennial Airport recently mailed CPN residents a brochure explaining the background and history of the study, as well as outlining 12 recommendations it submitted to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in 2002.

The recommendation that caused the most concern for CPN residents was recommendation number six (#6). It requires aircraft to “fly a 170-degree departure heading for approximately four miles before executing a +/- 20-degree turn.” This would basically mandate any aircraft departing to the south of the airport to fly at least as far as exit 191 (the Surrey Ridge exit) off I-25 before turning either right or left.

“The initial intent was to divert much of the traffic and noise from over Lone Tree and Highlands Ranch to the [at the time] undeveloped bluffs to the south,” said Centennial Airport Manager of Planning and Development, Michael Fronapfel. “Understandably, there are representatives here from those [now developed] areas who object to this change.”

The 60-day public input period on the Part 150 Noise Study has begun. Citizens have until April 22, 2008 to provide feedback and register complaints with the FAA about noise levels from aircraft arriving to, and departing from, Centennial Airport.

All comments should reference Federal Register Notice No. 73 FR 9847 and can be e-mailed to or mailed to Linda Bruce, Federal Aviation Administration, Denver Airports District Office, 26805 E. 68th Avenue, Suite 224, Denver, CO 80249. Direct all questions to Linda Bruce at 303-342-1264.

Additional information, including a list of the 12 recommendations as well as feedback received to date, can be found at www.centennialairport.com.

Once the FAA completes its review of the feedback, it will issue a final determination, allowing Centennial Airport to begin implementation of the approved recommendations.