ALBANY (12/19/96) -- The Albany County Airport Authority, in its continuing

effort to mitigate airport-related noise, has installed an initial

production noise abatement structure manufactured [by] QUILITE® International of

Los Angeles, CA.

 

The structure, composed of plastic QUILITE® blocks cast in nine 4' x 12' panels (QUILITE® is manufactured using clear Lexan® polycarbonate plastic

produced by General Electric Plastics of Pittsfield, MA), will be tested by the Authority for its noise abatement capabilities.

 

The tests will be conducted by independent acoustical engineers who will determine the product's effectiveness and reliability.

If successful, the noise abatement structure could be installed for use by turboprop commuter aircraft (and perhaps larger aircraft) that are required to undergo nightly engine maintenance checks for next-day flights.

 

A permanent noise abatement structure would be considerably larger than the test product at the airport and it would be designed to enclose aircraft in a three-sided, u-shaped configuration.

"The Airport Authority has been very aggressive in its effort to minimize the noise disruption to our surrounding residential neighbors," stated Airport CEO John C. Egan.

"Following our submittal of a comprehensive noise

abatement strategy (FAR Part 150) to the federal government, we have continued in our pursuit of ways in which to reduce airport-generated noise,particularly noise associated with nighttime engine maintenance tests.

 

We are hopeful that the QUILITE® product will help reduce the disruption

previously associated with the aircraft engine maintenance tests.

" Given the pilot project nature of the Airport's noise abatement program and the initial production development of the QUILITE® structures, the panels have been supplied to the Airport Authority free of charge for an indefinite period of time.

 

Following the tests of the potential benefits of the product, the Airport Authority will ultimately decide on whether to issue an RFP for a permanent installation of similar noise abatement equipment.

"This product presents an innovative and unique approach to noise abatement," noted Mr. Egan. "There are a variety of products available in the marketplace that are composed of more traditional materials -- wood, concrete, cinder blocks -- but QUILITE® is new and novel; we know it is the cutting edge and we wanted to be the first airport in the nation to test the product.

It's another example of the Airport Authority's willingness to break new ground in our effort to make this the best facility of its size in

the nation."