Date: 06-Aug-97 12:00 PDT To: david.pandori@ci.sj.ca.us From: Ron Townsend Subject: Airport Noise (specific) Cc: mayorsj@ci.sj.ca.us, rtonseth@sjc.org, webmaster@caap.org To All Concerned: We have personally tracked down the high pitched whine coming from San Jose International Airport (SJC) that ruins the peace and sleep of the residents of Rosemary Gardens. This horrid noise that goes on for hours at a time makes it impossible to use our back yards or to open windows on hot evenings. The noise comes from the aircraft (usually Mexicana Airlines) parked at the Federal Inspection area at the south end of the airport, adjacent to the San Jose Police Dept. Airport office. According to Sgt. Jeff Martin of the SJPD and Duty Managers Henry Thompson and Joe Staples, the problem is the lack of ground power in this location. While parked, the aircraft must have electricity to provide lights, etc. for the inspectors. Apparently, the most convenient solution to this problem is to use the auxiliary power unit (APU) on board the aircraft. Unfortunately, the on board APU is what causes the loud, obnoxious, high pitched whine that is present even as we write this. A temporary solution can be, and has been, provided by what is called a "ground power unit" (GPU) which is a mobile unit that has to be trucked to different areas of the airport. . However, this is only a temporary solution, and it seems to be necessary to call someone at the Airport Administration Office to get a GPU moved to this location. This is necessary every time we are bothered by this noise. To their credit, the problem has been temporarily solved when we call. However, since this procedure takes place 3 or more times a week, we feel it is imperative to find a permanent solution to this situation. This could be accomplished by parking the aircraft at a different location, or by providing permanent "hard wired" power supply at the parking location. Considering the proximity of the other aircraft facilities, it seems incredible that this has not been done already. Our home is about one quarter mile from this inspection location. We, along with many neighbors in Rosemary Gardens, have registered complaints on the Airport Noise Recorder, and to our Councilman, David Pandori. In light of all the planned expansion at the Airport, we see no reason why this problem hasn't been solved yet. As a good will gesture to it's neighbors, this situation needs to be taken care of immediately and permanently. Sincerely Ron and Vicki Townsend 1369 San Juan Ave San Jose, CA 95110 cc: Mr Ralph Tonseth, Director of Aviation, SJC (via e-mail) Mr David Pandori, San Jose City Council/Dist 3 (via e-mail) Ms Susan Hammer, Mayor, San Jose (via e-mail) Citizens Against Airport Pollution (Via e-mail) U.S. Customs Port of Entry, SJC Rosemary Gardens Neighborhood Association