Since the onset of the pandemic, there has been a noticeable surge in small plane activity in Great Barrington MA, prompting local uproar documented in town hall meetings covered by newspapers. Residents express vehement opposition to the noise pollution and disruption caused by these flights, exacerbated by the fact that small planes still use leaded gasoline, a practice uncommon in other vehicle types in the United States. Studies from Harvard Medical School and other institutions have linked air traffic noise to serious health issues such as heart disease and stroke.

Efforts to mitigate the noise impact, such as directing pilots to fly into New York state to minimize disturbance, have been met with skepticism from affected communities. The pilots, many of whom engage in aviation as a hobby or profession, often practice maneuvers over local farms and residential areas, drawing ire from residents who feel harassed and endangered.

Unlike other recreational vehicles such as Jetskis and motorcycles, which have restrictions and regulations in place, small planes operate relatively unmonitored. They can fly at low altitudes without detection by turning off their transponders, making enforcement of safety guidelines challenging. Tragic incidents involving small planes, including fatal accidents involving bystanders like a woman on a riding mower and another in a kayak, underscore the urgent need for stricter FAA regulations.

The FAA's current focus on pilot conduct and aircraft mechanics overlooks the broader impact of small planes on public health and safety. As the debate on scaling back commercial aviation gains momentum in the context of climate change, small planes should be included in discussions about environmental impact and community welfare. Lindbergh's aviation legacy, once romanticized, now serves as a cautionary tale about the unintended consequences of unchecked flight activity on local communities and the environment.

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https://www.thenation.com/article/society/small-planes-pollution-noise/