On occasion military EA-18G "Growlers" perform practice approaches to our airfield to maintain proficiency in the event that they have to make an unscheduled landing here due to emergency, weather requirements or some other unforeseen circumstances. Paine Field does not authorize or sanction these operations, particularly those where afterburners are in use. Often times when pilots conduct these approaches they do not use power judiciously and create a lot of unnecessary noise and vibration. Many low approach operations included a very long leg to the south before the aircraft begin its approach to the airfield, which significantly increased its impact on the surrounding communities. The military is exempt from many of the FAA rules and regulations commercial and general aviation pilots must adhere to in regards to airspeed and noise generation. And while Paine Field is proud to support these operations, we are also very aware of the negative impacts these low approaches have on the surrounding communities.
It’s important to understand that this is a public aeronautical use facility that carries obligations to provide reasonable access to all users of the National Airspace System as mandated by the Federal Aviation Administration. Airlines, military and aircraft operators choose which airports they serve and the airports must accommodate them. Snohomish County Paine Field has the authority and responsibility to assure that the physical facilities of the Airport (runways, taxiways, lighting, etc.) are safe for aircraft to use in accordance with strict FAA standards. The Airport Department has no authority over aircraft in flight or military operations, meaning we do not provide landing or departure clearances or authorize any arrivals or departures, the FAA does. The Snohomish County Airport is a public-use facility open 24 hours a day even after tower operating hours.
Paine Field has no authority to limit or restrict, in any way how the military uses the airfield, so I urge anyone experiencing a problem with these operations and the noise they generate to direct their noise inquiries to those who do have the authority via NAS Whidbey Island's noise hotline at (360) 257-6665 or email WHDB_PAO_NASWI_PAO@navy.mil; or contact the Public Affairs office at (360) 257-2286 Mon. - Fri 7:30am - 4:30pm. Be advised, this noise hotline is for military aircraft that originate at Whidbey Island ONLY, please direct all inquiries regarding Paine Field aircraft to our hotline at 425-388-5125 ext. 4 or fill out an online noise complaint form.