Noise Abatement Procedures

YVR has various restrictions and procedures to minimize aircraft noise impacts in the communities. These measures are part of YVR’s published Noise Abatement Procedures.

Noise Abatement Procedures are a set of rules outlining how aircraft operations are to be conducted at an airport to minimize noise impacts. They are enforceable under section 602.105 – Noise Operating Criteria of the Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs).

Noise Abatement Procedures at YVR

The Noise Abatement Procedures are unique for each airport as they are meant to deal with local issues. The procedures for YVR are published in the Canada Air Pilot – British Columbia edition and include the following key elements:

• Preferential runway use of the Runway 26 configuration to place the noisiest operations (take-offs) over the Strait of Georgia whenever wind conditions permit.
• Standardized Noise Abatement Departure Procedures that prescribe thrust, speed, and flap settings to reduce noise on take-off.
• Restrictions on the departure of jet aircraft rated over 34,000kg (maximum take-off weight), requiring prior approval to operate between the hours of midnight and 6:00 a.m.
• The North Runway is closed between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m., except during emergencies and maintenance.
• Early turn and vectoring procedures for aircraft on certain routes at night to minimize overflights of populated areas wherever feasible.
• Engine run-up restrictions, requiring prior approval of all maintenance run-ups.

Enforcement

Any suspected violation of the published Noise Abatement Procedures is forwarded to Transport Canada Civil Aviation Enforcement Branch for further investigation and follow-up, as YVR does not have regulatory or enforcement authority for the CARs. Operators found in non-compliance with the Nosie Abatement Procedures can be subject to monetary fines or other sanctions imposed by Transport Canada.

Proposing Changes to Noise Abatement Procedures

Any new or proposed changes to Noise Abatement Procedures must be reviewed and approved by Transport Canada. To evaluate proposals, Transport Canada has a protocol, outlined in Advisory Circular (AC) No. 302-002: Implementation of New of Amended Noise Abatement Procedures. The protocols ensure that a full assessment is done to support the proposal(s) and comprehensive consultations occur with affected stakeholders, including communities and industry.

Want to learn more?

Watch the video below to learn more about YVR’s Noise Abatement Procedures specific to night-time hours.

If you have any additional questions, please contact YVR Noise Management.