Court denies attempt to prevent aircraft from flying over city
A federal appeals court has denied an attempt by Las Vegas officials to prevent aircraft departing McCarran International Airport from making a "right turn" over the city.
The 9th U.S. Court of Appeals issued an unsigned ruling that denied a petition by the city of Las Vegas seeking to thwart the maneuver.
"Petitioners’ arguments to the contrary are not persuasive," the 15-page ruling stated in part.
The so-called "right turn" controversy flared up more than two years ago when the Federal Aviation Administration made changes to flight pattern options for aircraft departing from McCarran.
Some residents complained the changes put their homes under the path of loud commercial jets, making it harder to enjoy outdoor space and harming property values.
City officials took up the cause and authorized $400,000 in spending to fight the FAA in court.
