Utah Air National Guard Noise Complaint Policy

Roland R Wright Air National Guard Base, operated by the Utah Air National Guard’s 151st Wing, manages air operations primarily focused on supporting aerial refueling and air mobility missions with its fleet of KC-135R Stratotanker aircraft.

Although not as busy as some active-duty installations, the base sees a steady pace of flight operations to fulfill mission requirements and maintain crew readiness. The 151st Wing’s KC-135R refuelers are crucial in supporting U.S. and allied forces by providing extended range and endurance for various aircraft worldwide.

Unlike bases that host fighter jets, the 151st Wing’s primary mission at Roland R Wright Air National Guard Base involves air refueling support rather than high-volume fighter training operations. However, the base remains an essential part of the National Guard’s readiness and global response capabilities.

Roland R Wright Air National Guard Base, home to the Utah Air National Guard’s 151st Wing, strives to efficiently and effectively respond to and address aircraft noise complaints and inquiries from the public. Our goal is to maintain a clear, consistent, and repeatable process that is responsive to public concerns while using Air National Guard resources responsibly. The 151st Wing has implemented the following measures to improve its noise complaint process:

  • Information Requirements: We require specific details in complaints and inquiries to identify the source, location, and nature of the noise issue. This enables the 151st Wing to respond more effectively and efficiently.

  • Noise Complaint System: The 151st Wing uses a Noise Complaint System to log and track all noise complaints and inquiries received from the public. This system allows us to maintain a record of complaints and to identify trends over time.

  • Annual Reporting: General information about the types of noise complaints received by the 151st Wing is shared with local governments annually to promote transparency and maintain community relations.

  • Limitations on Third-Party Applications: Noise complaints or inquiries submitted via third-party automated applications or devices are not accepted or registered by the 151st Wing.

  • Timely Responses: We are committed to providing timely responses to aircraft noise complaints and inquiries submitted by the public.

  • Repetitive Complaint Policy: To conserve resources and ensure response efficiency, we will not respond to the same general complaint or inquiry — one that does not differ substantively from a previous complaint — from the same individual more than once.

  • Response Request Field: Our web form requires the public to indicate (yes or no) whether they would like to receive a response from the 151st Wing regarding their complaint.

  • Inappropriate Language Policy: The 151st Wing does not respond to complaints or inquiries that are abusive, threatening, or contain obscene language. Such complaints may be referred to security or law enforcement authorities if necessary.

  • Frequently Asked Questions: A section on the Roland R Wright Air National Guard Base website provides Frequently Asked Questions about aircraft noise issues, which is updated as needed to inform and educate the public.

  • Public Education: When responding to noise complaints, the 151st Wing aims to facilitate public understanding of relevant aircraft noise-related issues by sharing information on Air National Guard regulations, policies, noise mitigation measures, and other circumstances that may impact noise levels.

If you believe an incident was unusual or may have violated specific directives or policies, click here to file a complaint.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Where do the KC-135R Stratotankers from Roland R Wright Air National Guard Base fly?

A: Most KC-135R training and operational flights from Roland R Wright Air National Guard Base take place within controlled airspace designated for air refueling and air mobility training. The 151st Wing frequently operates in Utah’s designated airspaces and may occasionally conduct training operations at Salt Lake City International Airport for currency training. This training is essential to maintain the readiness and proficiency of our crews.

Q: What role does the weather play in takeoffs and landings, and how does it impact aircraft noise?

A: Weather conditions, including wind and cloud cover, can significantly impact flight operations and noise levels at Roland R Wright Air National Guard Base. Strong winds or weather inversions may cause temporary changes in flight patterns, potentially increasing noise levels in certain areas. Inversions, in particular, can trap and amplify noise, meaning that under certain conditions, sounds from KC-135R operations may seem louder or more noticeable to nearby residents.

Q: What is the base doing to minimize the noise impact on surrounding communities?

A: The 151st Wing coordinates its arrival and departure procedures with the Federal Aviation Administration to mitigate noise impacts. Our pilots climb to assigned altitudes as quickly as possible after takeoff to reduce noise at ground level, and we continually work with the FAA and Salt Lake City International Airport to optimize flight paths and minimize community disturbance.

Q: Why do I sometimes hear aircraft flying at night?

A: To maintain readiness, the 151st Wing must occasionally conduct night-time refueling training. While we limit night operations to what is required for proficiency, these flights ensure our crews are prepared to operate effectively in all conditions, including night missions. We make every effort to complete night operations by midnight and keep residents informed when night schedules are planned.

Q: How low are KC-135R aircraft allowed to fly?

A: The 151st Wing complies with all Air Force and FAA guidelines, which generally require that our aircraft maintain an altitude above 500 feet except during takeoff and landing. All flight paths are coordinated with Salt Lake City International Airport to avoid interference with commercial traffic, ensuring that aircraft gain altitude quickly once clear of the area.

Q: What is the Utah Test and Training Range, and do KC-135R aircraft use it?

A: The Utah Test and Training Range (UTTR) is a vital national asset providing space for the Department of Defense to conduct various testing and training operations, particularly for weapons requiring large safety areas. While the KC-135R primarily serves as a refueling platform and does not participate in live weapons testing, other Air Force units utilize the UTTR for essential training exercises that support overall mission readiness.

Q: Why might noise levels increase during certain training exercises?

A: Occasionally, aircraft from other units may join the 151st Wing for joint training exercises, temporarily increasing the number of operations at Roland R Wright Air National Guard Base. Additionally, these visiting aircraft may have different noise profiles than the KC-135R, which can result in variations in noise levels. During exercises, the frequency of flights may increase to create realistic training scenarios, allowing both air and ground crews to practice under simulated mission conditions.

Noise Complaint Form

Please review the Roland R Wright Air National Guard Base Noise Complaints Policy before filing a complaint.

 

VIEW POLICY HERE

The purpose of the noise complaint system is to assist the 151st Wing in maintaining compliance with FAA flight regulations and base standard operating procedures to minimize the effects of noise on neighboring communities. This system supports open communication between the base and the community, ensuring that both public and Air National Guard interests are considered.

The noise complaint system is not intended as a forum for general objections to aircraft noise, the Air National Guard, or the military. Filing a complaint will not alter the flight paths, modify operating hours, or relocate KC-135R aircraft to another location. As an active-duty refueling wing, flight operations at Roland R Wright Air National Guard Base are conducted in support of national defense requirements, and noise will inevitably occur when aircraft are in operation.

If you believe an incident was unusual or may have violated specific directives or policies, click here to file a complaint.