New LAX Flight Paths Are Too Loud For Malibu, Officials Say

MALIBU, CA — City officials have petitioned a federal appeals court as part of the Malibu's effort to address what aircraft noise linked to new flight paths in and out of Los Angeles International Airport, the city announced this week.

"Like every community in America, Malibu needs to able to enjoy peace and quiet as an important part of community health and wellness," Malibu Mayor Steve Uhring said in a statement. "However, our residents, as well as the habitats and wildlife of the Santa Monica Mountains, are heavily impacted by aircraft noise. I urge the FAA to work with Malibu to find solutions so that we can protect our quality of life."

City officials have identified three new flight paths as having strong noise impacts on Malibu. A February decision by the Federal Aviation Administration that would exclude the new flight paths from further environmental considerations.

The appeals court is reviewing the validity of that decision.

The city hopes to open a dialogue with the FAA about the local impacts of these flight paths, the need take the issue seriously, and to work with Malibu to develop flight procedures that would reduce those impacts, officials said.

While those goals may not be achievable solely through litigation, the city hopes that the prospect of a review by a panel of the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals will persuade aviation regulators to come to the table and work with Malibu to find mutually acceptable solutions, according to the city.

City News Service contributed to this report.