Bill Overview
Title: To direct the Secretary of Transportation to submit a report on helicopter and rotorcraft noise in the District of Columbia, and for other purposes.
Description: This bill directs the Department of Transportation to submit to Congress a report containing recommendations to reduce helicopter and rotorcraft noise in the District of Columbia, including recommendations on altitude, the number of flights, flights paths, and pilot training.
Sponsors: Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large]
Target Audience
Population: Residents of the District of Columbia affected by helicopter and rotorcraft noise
Estimated Size: 700000
- The bill is focused on helicopter and rotorcraft noise in the District of Columbia, indicating the target population is residents of this area who are affected by the noise pollution.
- The population of the District of Columbia is approximately 700,000 people.
- Despite being a localized issue, the impact on wellbeing from reduced noise could be significant, especially for those living under flight paths.
- Some residents might experience greater levels of noise reduction depending on proximity to helicopter and rotorcraft routes and current noise levels.
- Helicopter and rotorcraft services include public safety, news, medical emergency, and commercial flights, which tend to concentrate in urban areas like the District of Columbia.
Reasoning
- The target population for the policy primarily includes the 700,000 residents of Washington, D.C., who experience helicopter and rotorcraft noise.
- Considering the budget constraints of $1,200,000 in year 1, the policy cannot realistically alter all flights over D.C. instantly. Hence, the changes will be gradual and potentially focused on the most affected areas.
- The interviews should reflect a variety of experiences regarding helicopter noise, from those who are heavily impacted to those who may not notice it at all.
- Since the policy's effects are mainly in Washington, D.C., the interviews focus on local residents rather than people outside the impacted area.
- Diversity in interviewees' occupations and living situations will demonstrate different interactions with the noise issue.
- Evaluating different durations of impact ensures some voices reflect short-term changes while others project long-term benefits.
- Given budgetary limits, priority could be given to reducing noise over residential zones compared to other infrastructure-heavy regions like airports or military zones.
Simulated Interviews
Healthcare Worker (Washington, D.C.)
Age: 45 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The noise from helicopters often disturbs my sleep and is distracting during the day.
- I think reducing the number of flights closer to residential areas would be beneficial.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 3 |
Public Safety Officer (Washington, D.C.)
Age: 33 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 1.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Helicopters are essential for public safety and emergency situations; restrictions might impede important work.
- Any change should balance between noise reduction and operational effectiveness.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 8 |
Software Developer (Washington, D.C.)
Age: 29 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The noise is occasionally disruptive during my work-from-home meetings.
- I support measures that would decrease overhead flights.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 5 |
Retired (Washington, D.C.)
Age: 65 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The constant noise makes it difficult to enjoy relaxation time in my home.
- I am hopeful about any changes that bring quiet to the neighborhood.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 3 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 3 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 3 |
News Journalist (Washington, D.C.)
Age: 42 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 2/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Noise is part of the job, but I value the potential reduction of non-essential flights over residential areas.
- Maintaining access to helicopters for essential reports is crucial.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
University Student (Washington, D.C.)
Age: 25 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 6.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm often stressed by noise when studying or sleeping.
- Any improvement in noise levels would help with concentration and rest.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
Real Estate Agent (Washington, D.C.)
Age: 50 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Noise impacts property values in areas like Georgetown, reducing flights would be beneficial.
- Long-term tranquility would attract more buyers.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 4 |
Environmental Activist (Washington, D.C.)
Age: 30 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Reducing helicopter noise is a step toward a quieter, more peaceful city.
- I support additional measures to promote quieter technology and reduce unnecessary flights.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 7 |
Tech Entrepreneur (Washington, D.C.)
Age: 38 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I understand the need for flight transport, but noise reduction improvements may enhance office work environment.
- I hope for strategic reductions that will still allow important flights.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 7 |
Public Transport Worker (Washington, D.C.)
Age: 54 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 7.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Helicopter noise is sometimes overwhelming.
- Reducing it would greatly improve my work environment and overall well-being.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 4 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $1200000 (Low: $1000000, High: $1500000)
Year 2: $800000 (Low: $600000, High: $1100000)
Year 3: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 5: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 10: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 100: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Key Considerations
- The bill is primarily a study and information-gathering exercise with limited direct costs.
- Focus is on helicopter and rotorcraft noise, affecting both public and commercial aviation sectors.
- Consideration will be needed for balancing noise reduction with operational needs, particularly for emergency and public safety flights.