How to File a Complaint

Our greatest priority is to respond to phone calls and website-submitted complaints in a timely manner. The Noise Abatement and Environmental Affairs Office reviews all comments or complaints and responds as soon as possible with appropriate and pertinent information. PLEASE NOTE: Any complaint that contains vulgar or offensive language will not be logged as a complaint.

How to Use the OAK Noise Complaint App

iPhone Users

Step-by-Step Guide for Using the “OAK Viewpoint” App on an iPhone:

  1. Add the Viewpoint App to your phone’s home screen.
    Tap on your Safari browser and type in the URL: https://view-point-app.emsbk.com/ and then tap on the Share icon and slide the row of sharing links right or left until you find “Add to Home Screen”. Tap “Add to Home Screen”. Type the name “OAK” if desired. The Home Screen will be displayed with the new icon. 
  2. Open the “OAK Viewpoint” App:
    Start by tapping the app icon on your iPhone home screen to launch the “OAK Viewpoint” app.
  3. Access the Map Interface:
    Once the app opens, a map of the local area around Oakland International Airport (OAK) is displayed. The map shows flight paths with aircraft icons representing the real-time positions of planes flying in and out of the airport.
  4. Select a Flight:
    • Tap on any plane icon on the map.
    • After tapping, a small window or popup will appear, displaying detailed flight information.
  5. Real-Time Flight Data Popup contains:
    • The flight number.
    • Altitude of the aircraft.
    • The speed of the plane.
    • Other relevant flight statistics.
  6. Check the Flight’s Current Position on the Map:
    The app provides a visual representation of the flight’s current position on the map. The aircraft icon will update in real-time to reflect the plane’s movement through the air.
  7. Check Noise Levels:
    • After selecting a flight, you’ll also be able to view the current noise level associated with the aircraft’s flight path.
    • This information is presented in the flight details window or popup.
  8. Navigate Between Different Flights:
    • You can continue to explore by tapping on other planes on the map.
    • Each time you tap on a different aircraft icon, the app will update the display to show the flight’s corresponding real-time data and noise levels.
  9. Swipe and Scroll to Explore More Data:
    • The app allows for scrolling and swiping gestures to move through different parts of the map and to view additional information.
    • You can scroll through different sections of the interface to access historical flight data, specific aircraft details, and noise trends.

Android Users

Step-by-Step Guide for Using the “OAK Viewpoint” App on an Android device:

  1. Add the Viewpoint App to your phone’s home screen:
    Tap on your Chrome browser and type in the URL: https://view-point-app.emsbk.com/ and then tap on the 3 dots in the upper right corner and tap “Add to Home Screen”. Tap “Add”. Messages should confirm the addition. Tap the Home button to return to the Home screen. The Home Screen will be displayed with the new icon. Move it to wherever it is convenient.
  2. Open the “OAK Viewpoint” App:
    Start by tapping the app icon on your Android device to launch the “OAK Viewpoint” app.
  3. View the Map Interface:
    Once the app opens, a map of the local area around Oakland International Airport (OAK) is displayed. This map shows real-time flight paths with icons representing the planes.
  4. Select a Flight:
    • Tap on any flight icon on the map to view more details.
    • A window or popup will appear with information about the flight.
  5. Flight Details Popup:
    • The flight’s identification number.
    • The aircraft’s altitude and speed.
    • The current noise level associated with the flight.
  6. Track Real-Time Flight Paths:
    The app displays real-time flight paths on the map, allowing you to follow each plane’s route as it moves across the screen.
  7. Explore Historical Data and Noise Trends:
    • Swipe through different screens to view additional features, such as historical flight data and noise level trends.
    • You can also filter flights based on specific criteria like time or location.
  8. Navigate Seamlessly:
    The app interface allows you to navigate smoothly through the map and data views, making it easy to explore flight activity and noise impact.

Response to Citizens

When making a complaint, if you request more information, you will receive a response from the Noise Abatement Office. In general, first-time complaints receive a written response. If you wish to be contacted by telephone, two attempts will be made to reach you and at least one message is left, if possible.

Investigating Aircraft Noise Events

Members of the community can view flight tracks of aircraft operations at WebTrak with a 20-minute delay or playback the desired time period. View flight tracks.

How Do I File a Noise Complaint?

Noise complaints will be accepted until the 7th of the month for the previous month. Complaints received after that date will not be logged.

Info for Users on Internet Explorer 11 and Older

The Noise Complaint App is not compatible with Internet Explorer 11 and older. Please use a different browser to access the app or file a complaint using the noise complaint form.