Centennial and Rocky Mountain Metro update Part 150 work; Centennial confirms JSX service, tower repairs and hotel reopening

Noise and operations forecasts at Centennial and Rocky Mountain Metro airports were a recurring topic at the board meeting as staff reported progress on Part 150 studies and local airport updates.

At Centennial, Zach (noise and environmental specialist) reported that a Swiss company retrofitted a Bristol B23 with an electric powerplant and conducted ground demos and flights while the aircraft was at Centennial. Using the permanently installed noise monitors, a test flight found the electric aircraft was approximately 8–10 decibels quieter than a Cessna 172 flown on the same route. Zach also said JSX, a Part 380 public-charter operator, is set to start service from Centennial in September; the airport revised its Part 150 operations forecast to include the new carrier and will rerun noise contours once FAA approval of the revised forecast is received. Centennial also reported major repairs to its air traffic control tower are underway (scaffolding visible) and a 4 Points by Sheraton hotel on the field has reopened.

Rocky Mountain Metro reported it is about four months behind Centennial on its Part 150 study. The airport received FAA grant funding and selected a consultant (RS&H) to lead data gathering. Rocky Mountain Metro said it has held a first open house (approximately 90 attendees), formed three focus groups (airport users, community members, planners) and expects draft noise exposure maps and a technical report early next year with the next public open house then planned.

Both airports emphasized public engagement and the need to include updated operations forecasts before formal noise analysis can be completed.

Board members asked questions and noted the need to include new operations when modeling noise impacts and to coordinate community outreach plans.