Johnson County and airport officials described a new Fly Quiet program intended to reduce aircraft noise and improve communication between airports, pilots and surrounding neighborhoods.

"The fly quiet program was instituted ... on 07/01/2025," Larry Pete of the airport commission told the Board of County Commissioners, describing the program as a communication and awareness initiative that provides recommended approaches, departures and best-practice climb profiles to pilots.

Commissioners said the program aims to reduce community noise through outreach to flight schools, air traffic controllers and operators. Commissioner Brewer said flight schools and controllers have been "very receptive," and that airport operations (including runway-in-use based on wind) factor into where traffic concentrates. Commissioner Allen Brand said local pilots and flight school operators are ethically committed and receptive to outreach.

Commissioner Ashcraft asked about enforcement if individual pilots generate excessive noise. Pete said once an aircraft is airborne the FAA is the regulatory authority and that pilots have ultimate authority over safety decisions. "There's no real enforcement mechanism. It's all voluntary at this point in time," Pete said. The board and staff described the effort as continuous engagement rather than a punitive enforcement program.

The county said it will continue outreach and monitor community concerns; airport staff said they will work with pilots and controllers to redirect traffic patterns when practicable. Commissioners noted specific local concerns about military Chinook helicopter activity at New Century Airport and said some units were scheduled to relocate in early September.