Amazing Vintage Photographs Capture Airplanes Landing at the Logan International Airport, Boston in the 1970s

For the Documerica Project (1971-1977), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) hired freelance photographers to capture images relating to environmental problems, EPA activities, and everyday life in the 1970s.

Michael Philip Manheim was one of nearly one hundred photographers hired for DOCUMERICA. His assignment was to document the noise pollution crises in the East Boston neighborhood around Neptune Road.

Manheim captured powerful images of the deteriorating community, illustrating its uncomfortable proximity to one of the nation's busiest airports and the plight of residents living under the landing path of jets on the approach to Logan's busy runways.

Near Logan Airport - Airplane Coming in for Landing Over Frankfort Street at Lovell Street Intersection 05/1973

Jet Zooms Over Southwestern Side of Neptune Road 05/1973

Near Logan Airport - Airplane Coming in for a Landing Over Neptune Road Backyards 05/1973

Lovell Street Homes in Jet Aircraft Landing Pattern 05/1973

Mary Bruno Holds Her Ears Against Noise of Jet Coming in for a Landing on Runway 15r at Logan Airport. 39 Neptune Road, the Brunos' Home, Is the White-Fronted Building in the Background 05/1973

A Jet Flies Over Neptune Road 05/1973

From the Rear Porch of His Home at the Southern Corner of Neptune and Lovell Streets, Larry Vienza Watches Jet Take Off from Runway 15r-33l. Once Airborne, the Jet Will Fly Directly Over His House 05/1973

Looking to the Northwest from the Center of Neptune Road 05/1973

Near Logan Airport - Airplane Coming in for a Landing Over Neptune Road Homes 05/1973

Approaching Logan Airport. 05/1973

Looking Northeast Toward the Neptune Road Area - Airplane Descending for Landing at Logan Airport 05/1973

These Point Shirley Homes on Wintrop Shore Drive Are in Landing Pattern for Logan Airport's Runway 27 10/1973

Constitution Beach - Within Sight and Sound of Logan Airport's Takeoff Runway 22r 07/1973

Constitution Beach - Within Sight and Sound of Logan Airport's Takeoff Runway 22r 07/1973

Constitution Beach - Within Sight and Sound of Logan Airport's Takeoff Runway. 22r 07/1973

Logan Airport Area. Little League Game on Land Loaned by Massport (Massachusetts Port Authority) near Bennington Street East Boston's Main Thoroughfare. Some Local Citizen Leaders Consider This to Be Part of a Public Relations Campaign by Massport on Behalf of Its Continuing Inroads into the Neighborhood, 05/1973

Constitution Beach, on Boston Harbor - An Excellent Vantage Point for Viewing Logan Airport, 05/1973

Looking North from the 16th Floor Observation Deck at Logan Airport. The Airplane Is Coming in for a Landing Over the Neptune Road Area 10/1973

(Photos by Michael Philip Manheim, via The U.S. National Archives)