The Johnson County Airport Commission (JCAC) officially launched the Fly Quiet program on July 1, 2025, following coordination with the airport traffic control tower staff, airport users, and local residents. As part of JCAC’s response to an increase in concerns from Johnson County residents, educational materials were developed for pilots and residents. The pilot materials focus on educating airport users about the preferred approach and departure paths, which are intended to be flown to minimize noise to the extent possible while maintaining a safe operating environment for airport users.

Johnson County Executive Airport and New Century AirCenter, which were originally constructed during World War II, primarily serve Johnson County residents and businesses and are an integral part of the regional economy and transportation infrastructure.

“JCAC is committed to providing the safest possible environment for pilots while also being aware of the concerns of those living in the vicinity of the airports,” said Bryan Johnson, Executive Director of the Johnson County Airport Commission. “We are acknowledging community concerns by providing information and a platform for residents to learn about our Fly Quiet Program efforts while ensuring that all pilots have the tools they need to maintain safety and improve airport operations.”

• Johnson County Executive Airport – Fly Quiet Pilot Guide
• New Century AirCenter – Fly Quiet Pilot Guide

Airport land use compatibility involves two overarching concepts: a community’s need for safe and efficient air transportation, and orderly compatible land use development within the airport environs.

These two concepts must be balanced to achieve a favorable result for the airport and the residents and businesses in the airport’s vicinity. The following graphic outlines each party’s responsibilities regarding civil aviation.

The airport influence areas (AIAs) for Johnson County Executive Airport and New Century AirCenter are equal to the one-mile radius zoning and land use authority granted to the JCAC under K.S.A. 3-307e.

In February 2024, Johnson County, Kansas adopted updated Airport Land Use Compatibility Plans for Johnson County Executive Airport and New Century AirCenter to assist the JCAC with implementation of the state statute. Following adoption of the updated Airport Land Use Computability Plans, JCAC coordinated with local municipalities to install blue “Airport Influence Area” signs that generally note the location of the one-mile boundary for each airport.

Acting in its capacity as the airport zoning commission, JCAC plays a key role in the implementation of land use compatibility policies and criteria related to proposed development in the vicinity of Johnson County’s airports. The JCAC also provides recommendations to the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) regarding the planning boundaries that surround each airport facility and define safety areas, noise contours, and height/airspace protection for policy implementation.

For more information regarding the Airport Land Use Compatibility Plans, visit the Johnson County Planning Department website. (Planning | Johnson County Kansas)

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) created the Airport Noise Inquiry Complaint and Inquiry Response (ANCIR) portal to address community noise complaints. Those seeking to register a complaint regarding aircraft noise related to Johnson County Executive Airport or New Century AirCenter may access the ANCIR Portal at https://ancir.faa.gov/ancir.

Additional information regarding aviation noise inquiries may be found at https://www.faa.gov/noise/inquiries.