Community Relations


Gateway Airport exists to fulfill an aviation role in the local, regional and national air transportation system, as well as to serve the needs of the surrounding communities. To effectively fulfill this role, it is important to involve the communities, including local area residents, businesses, civic groups, tenants, and others.

Have you wondered how Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport operates, what's currently happening, or what the future plans are? Gateway Airport staff is available to meet with you, whether through a presentation at your meeting or through an airport tour. Information below will help you determine your best option for learning more. Click a topic to expand.

About Gateway Airport
Learn more about the rich history of Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport dating back to the 1940s.


Aircraft Viewing Area - Lynn Kusy Park
Lynn Kusy Park is open to the general public. Use of the gazebo is on a first-come-first serve basis. However, reservations can be made for special events. To reserve, please contact the Airport Authority's Community Relations Manager at bsexton@gatewayairport.com.


Aviation Noise Disclosure
Homebuyers and renters should educate themselves in advance about issues that may affect their property and / or perceived quality of life.

Aircraft overflights are sometimes a concern to residents, even though the area of concern may not be contained in any airport noise contours. In Arizona, State law provides the rational basis for airport disclosure based on the Traffic Pattern Airspace map and 60 DNL noise contour. The map can be viewed on the Arizona Department of Real Estate's website.

For many years, Airport staff has worked with property owners around the airport to provide disclosure to prospective buyers via a noise disclosure map, surface street directional signage, and the Traffic Pattern Airspace Map on record with the Arizona Department of Real Estate. Some residential communities in the airport vicinity have provided noise disclosure information to the original homebuyers, placed disclosure information in the Community Codes, Covenants, & Restrictions (CC&Rs) or listed the airport under the "hazard or nuisance" section of the Subdivision Report on file with the County Recorders' office.



Aviation Noise Roles and Responsibilities
Gateway Airport is one element of a national air transportation system and plays a vital link in the regional air transportation system and strives to be a leader in noise abatement efforts. Many different organizations share the responsibility for elements of a noise abatement program and airport operators are just one of these responsible parties. The various participants in the aircraft noise abatement issues and their roles are as follows:

The Federal Government
The national air transportation exists today primarily through Federal legislation and every facet is governed by Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations. The FAA exercises control of aircraft noise through noise emission standards, air traffic control, pilot and flight regulations, and noise compatibility studies. More information is available on the FAA website.

State of Arizona
State regulation of aircraft in flight is preempted by federal law, however, state regulations do affect disclosure of aircraft flight paths and noise. Arizona Revised Statute 28-8486 Public Airport Disclosure requires the recording of public airport disclosure maps. The maps provide information to prospective homebuyers, as well as current homeowners.

Airport / Local Government
Gateway Airport is responsible for promoting noise abatement procedures and ensuring compatible land development through zoning and stipulations within the Airport Influence Area. Airports have no authority to govern aircraft operators while in the air, but are the local point of contact for noise complaints. Airports are not mandated to accept / track noise complaints, but commonly do so to facilitate dialogue with constituents.

Pilots
Aircraft operators are responsible for operating their aircraft safely, while in compliance with Federal Aviation Regulations governing flight and Air Traffic Control instructions. The national and local pilot associations actively encourage their members to exercise noise abatement procedures whenever possible.

Residents
Current and prospective residents in areas surrounding or near airports should seek to understand aircraft noise and steps that can be taken to minimize its effects. Prospective home buyers should research the location of airports, flight paths, and determine if aircraft noise affects their quality of life. Gateway Airport works with developers, residents, and realtors regarding noise disclosure to ensure homebuyers are informed about aircraft noise and flight paths and can make an informed decision before purchasing a home. Recognizing airports tend to increase in activity as more people move to the area (as freeways and surface streets increase in traffic over time, so do most airports), prospective area residents should acknowledge that flight paths can change and become busier over time.


Public Presentations
Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport actively seeks opportunities to participate in community events. if you would like an Airport staff member to be involved in your next event or speak with your organization, please contact Brian Sexton, Community Relations Manager, at bsexton@gatewayairport.com or . Please be prepared to provide the following information: Name of your organization; proposed date of the speaking event; meeting location's address; number of expected attendees; whether audio / visual technology will be provided; time speaker will begin speaking; time (minutes) allotted for speaker; and topics you would like the speaker to address.


Radar Flight Tracking
The City of Phoenix provides flight tracking as a service to Valley residents.

By clicking on the link, you will be leaving gatewayairport.com. Filing a noise complaint on this third party page will not be forwarded to Gateway Airport. Please submit Gateway Airport noise complaints here.

Please note:
  • Flight information displayed is on a 10-minute delay due to security reasons.
  • Flight altitudes are displayed as Mean Sea Level (MSL). Gateway Airport is at 1,381' above sea level, so the number needs to be adjusted to determine the actual distance above the ground. For example, an aircraft showing an altitude of 3,381 feet over the airport would be flying at 2,000 feet above ground level.
Track Your Flight


Submit an Aircraft Noise Complaint
Gateway Airport tracks aircraft noise complaints to identify concerns, trends, and facilitate communication between pilots, FAA, and community members. Noise complaints do not directly influence aircraft flight paths and do not result in "warnings" or "violations" against specific pilots or aircraft in most cases.

To submit an aircraft noise complaint, please click the link below or call the Airport Noise Hotline at .

All aircraft noise complaints submitted online or by phone are compiled and cumulatively reported into a Monthly Noise Report that is submitted to the Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport Authority Board of Directors.

*Please note: Information provided on the noise complaint hotline or online noise complaint form may be subject to a public records request.

Submit a Noise Complaint


Volunteer as an Airport Aviator
Enjoy serving your community? Are you a people person? Join the Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport Authority AVIATORS Volunteer Program and provide a friendly and just plane easy® experience for our guests!

AVIATORS play a vital role at the airport by:
  • Answering questions
  • Providing directions
  • Assisting guests
  • Participating in special events
Interested in joining? Applicants should be:
  • Able to pass a TSA/FBI Background Check for an Airport Security Badge
  • Have an outgoing personality
  • Work well with others
  • Be ready and willing to learn
AVIATORS are recognized for their service at various events and meetings throughout the year!

If you're ready to apply, visit our Employment page.