The Massachusetts Aeronautics Commission (MAC) reacted favorably yesterday to a Norwood proposal to control airplane noise through a decibel restriction, but delayed a decision on what exact number of decibels would be acceptable.
Indications are that the precise limit being proposed for Norwood Airport—87 decibels (dB) on jets at takeoff—will be debated because of concerns that it may be too restrictive. Under current technology, this sound ceiling would limit traffic at Norwood Airport to smaller executive jets. Propeller airplanes will be studied at a later date.
State aviation officials assured an informal delegation from Norwood they intend to act on the plan fairly soon, perhaps within six weeks. Before making a final decision, the MAC wants to:
- Solicit broad public opinion on the proposed decibel limit.
- Gather data on the actual number of jets using Norwood Airport that would be affected by the regulation.
The Grandfather Clause: The regulation allows for a three-year compliance period for aircraft currently using the airport.
An Unusual Alliance
The proposal originated from an ad hoc committee involving an unusual blend of traditionally rival airport interests, including airport operators, pilots, and neighborhood groups. The proposed limit was subsequently ratified by the Norwood Airport Commission in a rare show of harmony before being forwarded to the state.
A companion restriction voted by the airport commission—which would exclude airplanes with a gross weight of more than 25,000 pounds—is being treated separately by the MAC.
State Reaction & Precedent
Because of the importance of the proposed noise control measure—and the implications it could carry for other airports across the state—the MAC held a special session to debate the issue.
| Official / Figure | Position on the 87-dB Plan | Key Takeaway |
| Anne E. Sheehan (State Commissioner) | Endorsed without qualification | Only commissioner to fully back the 87-dB limit immediately. |
| Jacquie Smith (MAC Chairman) | Supported the decibel approach | Praised the spirit of cooperation but warned the MAC must ascertain the system-wide impact and precedent. |
| Richard F. Hodgkins (State Aeronautics Dir.) | Called it a “major milestone” | Commended the combination of decibel and weight limits but declined to say if he would recommend the 87-dB limit. |
| Lucie Searle (Community Liaison Officer) | Believes it is too stringent | Stated that an 87-dB takeoff noise level might have negative impacts on Norwood and the wider aviation system. |
| Peter Metz (Transportation Undersecretary) | Unequivocal support | Stated the proposal was “outstanding, very responsibly drawn” and deserved prompt action. |
The 2-Decibel Debate
The core of the upcoming debate centers on the fact that Norwood’s proposed 87-dB limit is stricter than the 89-decibel limit prescribed for this type of jet under the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Rule 36.
- The Aviation Perspective: Joseph Garside, president of Wiggins Airways Inc. and a key member of the noise abatement committee, argued that the two-decibel difference would have little negative effect on the Norwood Airport situation.
- The Neighborhood Perspective: Edwina A. Page, president of Stop Norwood Airport Growth, also spoke in favor of the limit. Both Garside and Page urged the MAC to approve the restriction as an experiment that can be modified later based on monitoring data.
Next Steps for the Committee
Monitoring compliance will require close cooperation from the airport manager, and no penalties have been established yet for violations.
While MAC Chairman Smith suggested considering a sliding scale of decibel limits depending on the time of day, Page deemed that too complicated to regulate. However, Page disclosed that the ad hoc noise abatement committee already has its next target on the agenda: airport departure curfews.
The Patriot Ledger | June 2, 1978
Text and images may have been created, edited, colorized, or digitally restored using AI tools such as Microsoft Copilot or Google Gemini. All content is reviewed for accuracy and historical integrity before publication by the Norwood Historical Society
Discover more from Norwood Historical Society
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.