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 Aircraft Noise Ombudsman serves as an impartial advocate for the public-at-large, focusing on aircraft noise policy and ensuring community voices are heard. They act as an internal advocate for public concerns, helping the FAA address issues fairly while considering both community and aviation industry viewpoints.

Although the Ombudsman does not typically resolve individual complaints, they do analyze complaint patterns to identify systemic issues and ensure proper handling by FAA departments. The Ombudsman acts as a contact point for individuals and communities who feel their concerns were inadequately addressed through other FAA channels and communicating concerns to the appropriate offices.

Promoting transparency is key to their role, as they clarify FAA policies and procedures regarding noise complaints and facilitate dialogue among the FAA, local communities, elected officials, and industry stakeholders. The Ombudsman, or their designee, may participate in public meetings and mediate discussions on noise issues while advocating for better processes to address aircraft noise impacts.

Based on public interactions and complaint reviews, they can recommend changes to FAA noise policies. They also raise awareness of noise issues within FAA departments, ensuring public concerns inform operational and policy decisions. Overall, the Ombudsman acts as an internal mediator, helping the FAA remain responsive to community concerns about aircraft noise.

How to contact the Aircraft Noise Ombudsman?

Online: The ANCIR Portal is the preferred way to contact the Aircraft Noise Ombudsman. 

Phone: Leave a voice message at (202) 267-3521

If leaving a voicemail, please provide your full name, complete address, a brief description of your concern, and your email or mailing address if you do not have email. Without this information, we cannot process your request. Due to high call volume, we are not able to respond to repeat concerns.

Mailing Address

Federal Aviation Administration
Aircraft Noise Ombudsman
c/o ANCIR Portal, ARA-210
800 Independence Ave. S.W.
Suite 306
Washington, DC 20591