Kaplan Kirsch & Rockwell's lawyers have served as counsel to numerous airports - large and small - in connection with the development and implementation of comprehensive noise management, mitigation and abatement programs. The firm's lawyers frequently advise clients on strategies for implementing noise rules and on developing programs for preferential runway use, noise abatement departure procedures, and related voluntary noise abatement programs. The firm's lawyers have also provided continuing counsel to airport proprietors, local governments and community organizations on the noise impacts of aircraft flight tracks and routes, on minimizing the impacts from changes in flight tracks and routes, and on modifications of flight tracks and routes for noise management purposes. Kaplan Kirsch & Rockwell lawyers have assisted in noise compatibility studies under FAR Part 150 at airports throughout the country.
The firm's lawyers have been leaders in the area of noise rules before and after enactment of the Airport Noise and Capacity Act of 1990 (ANCA) and its implementing regulations, 14 CFR Part 161. The firm represented an airport proprietor in the adoption of the nation's first noise rule adopted pursuant to ANCA, and later in the successful defense of the noise rule in administrative proceedings, state court and federal court. The firm successfully represented another client in seeking an exemption from ANCA to allow continuation of longstanding noise rules.
The firm also represents municipalities and other local governments affected by airport operations in negotiations and litigation over management and mitigation of airport impacts, and the equitable allocation of the burdens and benefits of airport development. The firm's representation of these government clients has called upon the firm's lawyers' expertise not only in airport legal issues but also in related matters such as land use regulation, local government law, Constitutional law, and federal and state environmental programs.
