New Web Tool Makes Finding MSP International Airport Flight and Noise Data Easy

The Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC) has long published detailed reports for neighbors concerned about aircraft noise around Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport. On June 5, the MAC launched a new web-based interactive reporting tool that makes finding the data you’re looking for fast and easy.

“Until now, data was spread across five static reports issued monthly and totaling more than 85 pages. There was no simple way for people to filter the data to meet their specific needs,” said Brad Juffer, assistant manager for Noise, Environment and Planning at the MAC. “The new online reporting tool enables users to sort and display the data in a variety of ways and provides graphics to make the information easier to understand. There are overview pages for people who just want a summary, and more detailed information is available for those who want to dive deeper into the data. We tried to make the new tool as intuitive and well organized as possible.”

Interactive reports are provided in four categories: Operations, Complaints, Sound Monitoring and Abatement. Each section includes maps and visual aids to help viewers understand the data. The tools were developed for desktop browsers and mobile devices. In many cases, both recent and historical data are available so users can see changes over time.

Juffer said the first-of-its kind interactive airport data system also offers information that wasn’t available in the static reports. The “Runway Use System” reporting tool demonstrates how winds can affect runway use. Also, flights to and from MSP International are summarized monthly into a map that displays flight counts for each geographic segment of the seven-county metropolitan area. Users can apply specific runway and operations filters to display the average altitude of the aircraft in each geographic segment as well.

“The Metropolitan Airports Commission strives to be transparent and responsive to community needs,” said MAC CEO Brian Ryks. “Through communication advances like this new reporting tool, quarterly public listening sessions and a new online video series, we’re providing information in ways we hope will help our neighbors understand how aircraft are using the airport and the nearby airspace.”