As Wilmington sees growth on the ground, traffic above our heads has also increased.
Wilmington International Airport is currently undergoing a variety of expansion projects to accommodate the uptick in passenger travel. New nonstop flights, a terminal expansion and an onsite hotel are all signs of the 40% increase in passengers that ILM has seen since 2019.
With more flights traveling through the airport, noise pollution has become a pressing issue for many residents. While some are concerned about all noise generated by air traffic, most complaints reference the sound generated by military aircraft training. Others show support for the military by enthusiastically welcoming the sound.
The property was deeded to New Hanover County at no cost under the Surplus Property Act of 1944, an agreement that allowed government aircrafts to use the airport without charge, according to a 2021 news release from ILM.
ILM is uniquely equipped to handle military operations due to its ability to perform “hot refueling,” a practice that allows jets to keep their engines running while receiving more fuel. A contract between the Department of Defense and Modern Aviation, a fixed base operator at ILM, allows the practice.
Known by some as the “sound of freedom,” the booming noise of the jets has prompted many residents to file complaints with the airport. While it doesn’t control the frequency of military operations at the site, the airport is working to address the concerns.
Military operations peaked in 2021
In 2024, ILM reported a total of 10,598 military operations for the year. Since 2019, the highest number of yearly operations was 14,245 in 2021.
Here are the total of yearly military operations at ILM for the past six years:
The airport does not receive a schedule for military training or operations, ILM marketing, air service development and PR manager Erin McNally said.
Military aircrafts are exempt from Federal Aviation Administration noise and height regulations. Several military bases utilize ILM, including Marine Corps air stations Cherry Point and Beaufort, South Carolina. ILM has directed residents to reach out to the military bases’ noise offices regarding concerns.
Noise study underway
In spring 2024, ILM embarked on a federally funded Part 150 Study to understand airport noise and identify ways that airports can reduce noise impacts. The study is expected to take 18 to 24 months to complete and will provide members of the public with opportunities to be involved with the process. While dates for future meetings are not yet set, the airport is accepting public comments on the project website.
The study is being conducted using the Day Night Average Sound Level noise metric, which calculates the average noise level over a 24-hour period. Airport planning firm Coffman Associates, Inc. is providing technical assistance for the project.
The study aims to determine compatibility between land use and aircraft noise. It will identify impacts of both current and projected noise levels to propose strategies to reduce noise in impacted areas. Additionally, the study will encourage agricultural, commercial or industrial zoning designations in undeveloped areas where noise is projected to remain.
This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: How often does military train at the Wilmington, NC, airport?