MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) – Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport is preparing for major changes that could soon result in a change in flight paths, which could increase noise in some parts of the city and reduce noise in others.

What is changing?

For those who live in the flight path of planes taking off from MSP, the noise from the engines can sometimes be deafening. The Metropolitan Airports Commission has worked with eligible homeowners on noise mitigation measures in the past, but the flight paths may soon change.

The final decision on the changes rests with the FAA.

Why does this happen?

The changes affect less the runways than the technology used by pilots and air traffic controllers.

By the end of next year, outdated ground-based navigation systems will be phased out and the aviation industry will switch to GPS.

According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), these new procedures will improve safety and efficiency, but will also impact how aircraft take off, including climb rates and turns.

Previous flight route changes

Due to runway construction, flight routes were temporarily changed this summer.

How you can participate

The FAA will hold the first of two public webinars on the MSP changes this afternoon. The two-hour presentations will be held from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Wednesday and from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday.

Click here for more information on how to attend the meetings.

Topics will include how MSP airspace is currently managed and how future departures may change. There will also be a presentation from the Noise Oversight Committee and information on how the public can voice their opinions.