January 2023 MCQSC Update: New GPS Approach Procedure Endorsed

Greetings!  We hope that 2023 is off to a happy start for all of our members.

BIG NEWS:  The DCA Community Noise Working Group recently voted to endorse the FAA design for a new GPS approach procedure that is expected to provide some aircraft noise mitigation for our communities. The FAA accepted almost all of the design proposed by the North-of-the-Airport subcommittee, which was developed with the support of aviation consultant Jim Allerdice of Vianair Inc. (formerly ABCx2).  

TO RECAP:  The initial approach fix (waypoint) of the new GPS approach procedure will move from FERGI, which is in a residential area off of Persimmon Tree Road in Bethesda, to waypoint DARIC.  DARIC will move from the shores of Glen Echo, MD to the CIA campus in Langley, VA. This change is expected to lead to fewer approaching flights over our communities as more aircraft will be directed to fly to the new DARIC instead of to FERGI. Other approach procedures (River Visual and the RNAV-RNP) will be modified to mirror the GPS approach. The number of approaching flights that fly the LDA-Z procedure inland over Montgomery County communities during inclement weather is expected to drop off significantly.   

The FAA presented its Proposed Southflow GPS Arrival Procedure at the Oct. 2022 CWG meeting.

UPCOMING CWG MEETING: The FAA is scheduled to discuss their process and timeline for the new and updated procedures at the next DCA Community Working Group meeting on Thursday, January 26th at 6:00 p.m.  In addition to an FAA update, there will be a review of northflow/southflow runway utilization and a discussion about the need for a Fly Quiet Program at DCA.  We encourage our members to watch the meeting.  A link for viewing the meeting will be posted on the DCA CWG website.