Those who routinely fly in and out of Philadelphia International may have noticed some recent changes in both the arrival and departure flight paths. An exhaustive list of documents on the motivations and effects of possible flight path changes, part of a redesign of the larger NY/NJ/PHL airspace, is given on the FAA website. Basically, the FAA is trying to reduce noise impacts on the region while improving arrival and departure capacity of the airports. Figure 39, at the top of page 75 in this report, shows that this is no simple task.

On my way out to Columbus last Monday, one of the new departure routes provided some of the best skyline views I've ever seen. Unfortunately, my camera was tucked up in the overhead bin. But I kept it in hand on the return flight, and although the skyline wasn't visible from this route, there were some pretty impressive views of the airport.



Less noise, improved on-time performance, and better views from the window seat? Let's hope the FAA is no FEMA.

Photos by author, SkyscraperSunset.com, July 26, 2007.