Damping Down in Arizona:

The 355th Fighter Wing at Davis-Monthan AFB, Ariz., has initiated round two in its efforts to curb the jet noise that has roiled some area residents. Earlier this year, reports 2nd Lt. Mary Pekas, the base raised the altitude at which fixed wing aircraft fly over parts of Tucson, elevated altitude for eastbound helicopters, and altered the route for westbound helicopters. The second round involves raising portions of the flight pattern for fixed wing aircraft from 1,500 feet to 2,800 feet over Speedway. The new rules also require the aircraft to make their descent to the airfield in a “stair step” manner. Aircraft flying over the Rita Ranch neighborhood must maintain an altitude of 2,300 feet until within three miles of the base runway.