FAA Flight Path Dispute at Sonoma County Airport During Bohemian Grove

The Federal Aviation Administration’s 2024 introduction of the GPS‑guided RREHD‑ONE departure procedure at Charles M. Schulz–Sonoma County Airport directed departing jets over densely populated West Sonoma County neighborhoods, sharply increasing noise complaints. Residents have long urged the FAA to revert to the older CHARLIE EIGHT route, which spreads traffic more broadly.

During the July Bohemian Grove gathering, the FAA temporarily switched back to CHARLIE EIGHT, cutting the number of flights over the area and prompting local outrage. Representative Jared Huffman condemned the double standard, demanding a permanent return to the quieter path and accusing the agency of favoring “billionaires and oligarchs” attending the elite event. Community members, including Andrea Oreck, described the noise as “unbearable,” and a roundtable was held to press the FAA for lasting relief.