Airplane Noise Upsets Some Hinsdale Residents

HINSDALE, IL – Hinsdale officials say they have received complaints about noise from airplanes at Midway and O'Hare international airports. Now, they are joining public bodies that address such issues.

The village is entering agreements to take part in noise compatibility commissions for both airports. The cost is covered by the city of Chicago.

At Tuesday’s Village Board meeting, a Chicago aviation official spoke about noise issues related to aircraft.

“I would say that it is very difficult to change air traffic patterns,” said Aaron Frame, deputy commissioner of planning, noise and environment for the Chicago Department of Aviation. “Those are well-choreographed, well-analyzed and thought out in advance. Air traffic patterns are not random.”

But he said the airports can rotate the use of runways, particularly at night, when air traffic decreases. With greater space, he said, O’Hare is more flexible in the use of its runways.

Village Manager Kathleen Gargano said most of the local complaints are for Midway.

Frame sounded an optimistic note.

“There are ways to encourage airlines to be mindful that there are people who work and live around airports. You can remind the airlines to be a good neighbor,” Frame said. “A lot of the time, that has the desired effect.”

Towns closer to the airports have belonged to the commissions for years. Elmhurst, for instance, takes part in the O’Hare group. Residents on the town’s north side have long complained about noise from aircraft.