SFO may muffle airplane backblast

"You can feel it when it starts rattling your dishes," McCarron said.

The test was the first of its kind in the United States since backblast noise does not traditionally prompt complaints. But with the urging of San Mateo County Supervisor Mary Griffin, airport officials began the study last year. Griffin is the chair of the Airport/Community Roundtable, a committee

of government and airport officials who attempt to combat the cause of airport noise complaints.

"It was a long-term wish that I thought would never come true," Griffin said. "It was a very important step to reduce interior noise."

Although she will be leaving office in January, Griffin said it is her goal to reduce airplane noise and vibrations on the Peninsula to below 45 dB's -- or the level of quiet conversation.

To help that, airport officials are looking to buy a home in the $650,000 range and test various insulation measures that will reduce vibrations caused by airplane backblast.

McCarron estimates that the testing could be completed as early as the end of next summer. At that point, McCarron said airport officials will have the material they need to try and convince the federal aviation administration to help fund installation of mitigation measures in Burlingame, Millbrae and Hillsborough.

Burlingame City Councilmember Mike Spinelli, also a member of the roundtable, said noise is getting less severe because of the newer and quieter airplanes. But he added that lessening the airport's impact on nearby residents is a good thing.

"People get irritated when their dishes rattle," he said. "Anything that helps us understand what it's all about and helps us mitigate it -- is a good thing."

Once the testing is complete, McCarron said the house would either be turned into a roundtable office or it would be reverted back to the market.

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