Mesa mayor looking to reduce Falcon Field noise

MESA, Ariz. — Mesa Mayor Scott Smith said he’s resurrecting a task force to address noise issues at Falcon Field.

Neighbors are complaining about noise from the airport, even though Scott said it’s not being used as much.

“There’s not as many planes flying in and out of Falcon and they’re not flying as much,” he said. “That’s due to the economy and the cost of aviation gas, which is around $6 a gallon. It’s not cheap to fly anymore.”

But Smith said that flight schools are doing more takeoffs and landings in the morning and afternoon hours, making for more noise.

The task force was started four years ago and took steps to improve the noise situation then. Smith hopes the committee will also improve things this time around.