Aircraft Noise Complaints

While FAA's Aviation Noise Ombudsman is the public liaison for aircraft noise, it's best to first contact the local airport office staff or manager to address concerns about changes in flight patterns, hours of flights in your community, or airport or aircraft noise.

Noise from Aircraft Operations at an Airport in Your Community

Airport noise issues and concerns should be addressed to the appropriate staff or the airport manager at the local airport. Try one of these approaches:

  • Check your local telephone directory for airport telephone numbers or visit our Airport Data and Contact Information page to find information about the airport manager
  • Many airports also have their contact information and noise abatement information published on their websites

Helicopter Noise

You should contact the helicopter operator directly for information regarding the helicopter operations you are experiencing.

FAA implemented the ICAO Chapters 8 and 11 helicopter noise standard (called Stage 3 in the U.S.) as of May 5, 2014. The Stage 3 helicopter noise standard applies to all new helicopter types certified after the implementation date of the rule. It does not affect existing Stage 2 helicopters. Helicopter noise should lessen as operators retire older helicopters and buy new, quieter ones. Many existing helicopters in the U.S. fleet may already meet the Stage 3 noise levels, but would need to be recertified as Stage 3.

Military Aircraft Noise

FAA does not have the authority to regulate the operations of military aircraft. If you live near a military installation, you should try contacting their noise office or community relations department for more information on their operations in your community.

FAA Aviation Noise Ombudsman

The FAA's Aviation Noise Ombudsman serves as a liaison with the public on issues regarding aircraft noise. If you have a specific question, comment, concern or complaint that cannot be answered or addressed by any of the methods above, please contact the ombudsman and provide the following:

  • Your name
  • Your address
  • A thorough description of your noise issue
  • The times and dates you are experiencing the noise disturbance
  • The type of aircraft that are generating the noise (i.e., commercial jets, helicopters, general aviation, etc.)
  • Whether or not this noise issue is recurring
  • Documentation of every official you have contacted regarding the issue

The best way to contact the FAA Aviation Noise Ombudsman is by email so your message can be quickly distributed to the appropriate experts to address your concern.

Email: 9-AWA-NoiseOmbudsman@faa.gov

If you would prefer to call and leave a voice mail or send a letter, you may use the contact information listed below.

Phone: 202-267-3521

Mailing Address

Federal Aviation Administration,
Aviation Noise Ombudsman, ARA
800 Independence Ave., SW
Suite 306
Washington, DC 20591
Last updated: Tuesday, June 4, 2024