Bill Overview
Title: AIR Act
Description: AIR Act This bill directs the Department of Transportation (DOT) to rescind no fly zone restrictions over Disneyworld in Orlando, Florida, and Disneyland in Anaheim, California, imposed under Federal Aviation Administration Notices to Airmen and stop maintaining the restrictions imposed under such notices. DOT may not issue a regulation or Notice to Air Missions to impose a no fly zone over Disneyworld and Disneyland for a period longer than 30 days, with specified exceptions for national security concerns.
Sponsors: Rep. Nehls, Troy E. [R-TX-22]
Target Audience
Population: People in the vicinity of Disneyworld and Disneyland
Estimated Size: 180000
- The bill specifically targets airspace restrictions over two specific locations: Disneyworld in Orlando, Florida, and Disneyland in Anaheim, California.
- The primary individuals impacted directly will be those associated with airline operations around these areas, including pilots and airline companies.
- The bill may affect visitors and employees of Disneyworld and Disneyland due to changes in overhead air traffic.
- Residents in the vicinity of Disneyworld and Disneyland may experience differences in noise levels and potentially safety due to changes in air traffic patterns.
- Given the location-specific nature of this bill, the impact will be regional around Orlando and Anaheim, rather than national or international.
Reasoning
- The population impacted by the AIR Act primarily consists of individuals living near or working at Disneyworld in Orlando, Florida, and Disneyland in Anaheim, California. This includes theme park visitors, staff, pilots, and local residents.
- The budget constraint suggests minimal direct economic impacts, focusing on regulatory and airspace changes.
- Several groups will perceive the policy differently based on proximity to the parks, the frequency of overhead flyovers, and personal sensitivity to noise.
- The well-being scores will reflect these diverse impacts: while some see improved convenience and decreased travel costs, others may face noise pollution
Simulated Interviews
Theme park employee (Orlando, FL)
Age: 35 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I enjoy working at Disneyworld, but there's always been some noise.
- At first, I was worried about more flights overhead, but so far it hasn't been a big deal.
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 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Pilot (Anaheim, CA)
Age: 28 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Changes in flight regulations always affect how we plan routes and manage risks.
- More freedom means less waiting and fewer detours.
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 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Local resident (Anaheim, CA)
Age: 42 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Since moving here, plane noise in our neighborhood has been sporadic.
- I'm worried that more planes flying over could increase the disturbances, especially at night.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 4 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 4 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 4 | 5 |
Frequent park visitor (Orlando, FL)
Age: 31 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I love visiting the park and taking photos.
- The planes don't bother me, but aesthetically I'm worried about increased air traffic during events.
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 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Retired airline executive (Orlando, FL)
Age: 60 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- From an operational perspective, these areas being opened up increases efficiency.
- Safety needs attention, though I see a potential positive economic impact.
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 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Real estate agent (Orlando, FL)
Age: 54 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Potential increase in noise may affect property values negatively.
- Conversely, increased traffic might boost economic activity.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 6 |
Tourist visiting Disneyland (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 24 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm excited if this means more flights as it's safer and cheaper longer term.
- Noise doesn't bother me, and increased flights could mean cheaper or more frequent options.
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 |
Theme park engineer (Anaheim, CA)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It might impact our maintenance schedules if more flights are overhead.
- Safety is a concern, but hopefully the exemptions for security will be in place when required.
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 |
Hospital nurse (Orlando, FL)
Age: 50 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 11/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The noise could impact recovery and working conditions during our peak shifts.
- However, I understand the benefit for tourism and the local economy.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 6 |
Flight attendant (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 33 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Fewer restrictions mean easier route planning and less waiting time.
- The change could reduce operational stress and commuting delays.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $500000 (Low: $200000, High: $800000)
Year 2: $500000 (Low: $200000, High: $800000)
Year 3: $500000 (Low: $200000, High: $800000)
Year 5: $500000 (Low: $200000, High: $800000)
Year 10: $500000 (Low: $200000, High: $800000)
Year 100: $500000 (Low: $200000, High: $800000)
Key Considerations
- The primary concern is maintaining air safety and managing increased noise pollution in the vicinity of Disneyland and Disneyworld.
- The legal and administrative costs may fluctuate based on potential opposition from stakeholders impacted by airspace changes, including airlines and local communities.
- Considerations regarding national security exceptions must be adequately addressed to avoid unintended vulnerabilities.
- Public perception and potential backlash over perceived increases in air traffic could influence compliance and regulatory conversations.