City of Burbank

Office of the City Council

October 27, 2000

James E. Goodwin, Chairman & Ceo

United Airlines

P.O. Box 66100

Chicago, Illinois 60666 

Dear Mr. Goodwin:  

The City of Burbank is extremely disturbed by United Airlines’ recent decision to schedule a nightly flight from San Francisco into the Burbank-Glendale-Pasadena Airport for arrival at 11:15 p.m.  This flight is well after the 10:00 p.m. start of the curfew.  United’s decision may well erode public support for the airline and undoubtedly will inflame community tensions regarding the impacts of the Burbank Airport.  In the long run, United’s decision could threaten the willingness of the community to work cooperatively in the best interest of the Airport, its users and the community.   

As you know, the Burbank Airport has had a voluntary curfew in effect for years.  This curfew has been a critical part of efforts to promote the compatibility of the Burbank Airport with the residential communities immediately surrounding it.  The communities around Burbank Airport are extremely noise sensitive.  Unlike many airports, Burbank Airport has no buffer between the Airport and community.  Thus, nighttime flights are especially disruptive to sleep, peace and recreation.  United’s flight will cause severe noise impacts during the most sensitive time of the night, when residents are trying to get to sleep.  Unfortunately, your decision proves that a voluntary curfew cannot be trusted and provides important evidence to support the community calls for a mandatory curfew at this Airport.  As you know, the Airport has already committed to obtaining federal approval to implement such a mandatory curfew prior to reconstructing the existing terminal building.   

The City acknowledges that a few other airlines have scheduled flights some flights after 10:00 p.m.  While the City has repeatedly expressed concern about these operations (all of which occur only minutes into the curfew hours), no other airline so flagrantly flaunts the curfew by scheduling a flight to leave its origin after the curfew hours.   

The City strongly encourages United to reschedule its flight to comply with the curfew at the Burbank Airport.  By taking such action, United would avoid further damage to its reputation and the Burbank Airport’s future. 

 Sincerely,

Bill Wiggins

Mayor