Whidbey Island Naval Air Base Jet Noise

If you currently live in Oak Harbor or Coupeville, Washington... or are moving to the area you may be interested to know what parts of the island experience the least and the most jet noise. I recently was showing some houses to a family that were interested in finding a home that experienced similar flights to those in their current home and showed them some maps that show the typical flight zones. These could be handy for anyone living in the area, looking to move to a different home in the area, or those looking to move to the area.

 The maps were developed to assist new home builders in knowing what amount of noise insulation/buffering they needed to have in a house that was being constructed depending upon where it fell on the map. The way other homeowners could use this map is to find a home that meets their needs while taking into consideration what amount of noise they may experience. Clearly those homes located closer to the base, in Oak Harbor, or the outlying field (OLF), in Coupeville, will be the most aware of flights happening... while homes further out from these locations will experience the least amount of noise.

**maps pulled Island County Noise Zone Maps - Washington State Building Code Council 2002

What is it like living near a Military Air Base?

Ault Field, Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Washington

Whidbey Island is by far one of the most picturesque places to live.  Ocean views, lush green forests and distant, snow-capped mountains are just a few of the visions we enjoy on a daily basis.

Another common sighting on Whidbey Island, and particularly in the towns of Oak Harbor and Coupeville, is the routine flight of military aircraft.  Naval Air Station Whidbey Island (NASWI) is located in Oak Harbor which employs a large number of military members and civilian contractors.  The military base brings gainful employment to the community and also the occasional, excitement of jet noise.

What to know when purchasing a home near a military base?  Part of your home purchase agreement will include a noise disclosure statement indicating that the home you are purchasing is a near the air field.  This does not mean that you can expect to have the level of air traffic noise that a house along the flight path of SeaTac Airport receives.  It is simply to make you aware that you are purchasing near a military air base and planes will be flying around it.

Does it impact your daily activities?  Probably not.  It is something you become accustomed to seeing and hearing on a daily basis.  It is simply part of the lifestyle in this area that comes with the territory of living near a military air base.  The presence of the base nearby gives a very strong sense of security to those living on Whidbey Island, and also lends itself to a more stable job market and economy for those not connected to the military.

Want more information about Naval Air Station Whidbey Island (NASWI)?  Follow this link.

Picture courtesy of www.cnic.navy.mil/regions/cnrnw/installations/nas_whidbey.html