Arizona senators join the FAA flight path fight in Phoenix

Sens. Mark Kelly and Ruben Gallego are asking the Federal Aviation Administration to change a plan that would update flight paths around the Phoenix area. They say the proposal could increase aircraft noise for more than 86,000 people in north Phoenix, Scottsdale and Chandler.

The senators sent a letter Thursday to FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford. They raised concerns about the Phoenix Area Modernization Project and its draft environmental assessment, saying the plan does not adequately address issues raised by affected communities.

The project would revise flight procedures at several Valley airports. Most of the public concern involves Phoenix Sky Harbor, the region’s busiest airport for commercial and overall air traffic. The FAA says the changes are intended to improve safety and efficiency.

The FAA has delayed decisions on the project for a year while it reviews public comments. The delay follows a previous flight path change in 2014 that led to widespread complaints, a legal fight and redesigned westbound departure routes after a federal appeals court ruled against the agency.