GLEN COVE , NY (TIP): “It’s summertime, and the relentless noise from airplanes approaching JFK makes what should be the nicest time of the year unbearable. Residents are rightfully concerned and fed up,” declared Congressman Tom Suozzi (D – Long Island, Queens).

Repeated reports of low-flying planes, loud air traffic noise, and other airplane-related disturbances have increased during the last few months. Last week, Suozzi, joined by Sen. Jack Martins, Ed Scott from the Town of North Hempstead, and Mayors Barbara Donno of Plandome Manor, Bernie Ryba of Old Brookville, and Daniel Serota of Brookville, met with the FAA and the Port Authority officials.

“We discussed many issues; I asked the FAA to 1) evaluate “continuous descent final approach” protocols to optimize noise reduction and 2) reevaluate a procedure maintaining a minimum 3000′ altitude on approach to 22L/R at JFK. The FAA has agreed to consider these proposals, and I will follow through,” announced Suozzi.

Since taking office in 2017, Suozzi began traversing the complex maze of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), looking to sort out the jurisdictional issues. He became Co-Chair of the Congressional Quiet Skies Caucus in 2017. Over the years, Suozzi testified several times before congressional hearings, chaired multiple meetings with relevant federal agencies, and secured significant noise and safety provisions in the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018.

“This is not my first time going toe-to-toe with the FAA,” Suozzi said.

“We were able to reach a number of agreements with them in 2019 and 2020 to reduce noise; things got somewhat better after I left office at the end of 2022, but apparently, the FAA disregarded our agreements, and the situation has gotten worse,” explained Suozzi.

“I am back…and I am committed to holding the FAA accountable and ensuring they take meaningful action—not just offer lip service—to address this deafening issue that, in addition to impacting one’s quality of life, can negatively affect one’s health,” he warned.

On a second front, Suozzi continues his fight to stop the FAA’s new attempt to reassign seventeen air traffic controllers from New York Terminal Radar Approach Control (TRACON/N90) to Philadelphia Tower/TRACON.

“These union employees are essential to the safety and smooth operation of almost 100,000 flights daily and work in high-stress, fast-paced environments with the utmost professionalism and dedication to excellence. They are the backbone of our nation’s aviation system,” Suozzi stated.