The Airport is currently used by the full spectrum of general aviation (i.e., private or corporate) aircraft. The majority of operations are by single-engine piston aircraft. This will continue to be the case whether or not the proposed project is implemented. The types of general aviation aircraft currently using the airport include: single- and twin-engine piston aircraft; single-and twin-engine turboprops; and the full range of jets from the smallest corporate jet to the Boeing 737 business jet. Airline service is currently provided using twin-engine turboprops. The mix of aircraft types will be identical whether or not the project is implemented, except that regional airline jets would be unlikely to use the Airport without the proposed improvements.
Due to the runway extension, aircraft landing from the northwest will be about 40 feet lower than today, while those departing to the south will be about 40 feet higher. The difference in height above the ground will mean that individual aircraft operations associated with the main runway (Runway 14/32) will be slightly louder to the northwest and slightly quieter to the southwest. Except in areas close to the airport the difference in sound levels may not be noticeable to residents. The loudest sound levels will continue to be generated by the larger corporate jets. Although the various models of regional airline jets vary in their sound levels, as a group they are similar to the turboprop airline aircraft currently in use.