ANCIR Service Portal
Have a noise concern? Click here to submit your message to the Aviation Noise Complaint and Inquiry Response (ANCIR) Portal
The Challenge of Aviation Noise
The National Airspace System (NAS) is essential for connecting communities and supporting the economy, but aviation noise affects quality of life for many, especially those living near airports. Addressing noise issues requires cooperation among the FAA, airlines, airports, pilots/operators, manufacturers, and local communities. The FAA is committed to reducing noise through regulations, research, and collaboration with stakeholders – balancing the need for a safe and efficient NAS with residents' concerns around quality of life issues.
The FAA’s ANCIR Portal allows users to submit aircraft noise complaints through a simple web form, specifying details like location, time, and noise type. This information helps FAA experts track trends and identify noise hotspots, which inform reports that are shared with policymakers and communities on the FAA's website, Responding to the Nation's Aviation Noise Concerns.
Typically, complaints shared with the FAA do not result in airspace changes. Reponses from the FAA explain why an operation occurs in a particular area, but formal action stemming from complaints is rare, since most operators comply with safety and regulatory standards. Still, the FAA uses complaint information to better inform policy, understand trends in noise concerns across different communities, and they do provide valuable insights to the FAA and policymakers about areas of noise concern.
To better understand how the FAA processes noise-related concerns, we encourage you to review our policy for responding to noise concerns. This resource outlines how we handle complaints and inquiries, ensuring transparency in how we work to mitigate noise concerns.
The FAA’s Three-Tiered Approach to Addressing Noise Concerns
The FAA and local airports collaborate closely to address community concerns about aircraft noise, with each playing a specific role in managing and mitigating noise impacts. Together, these coordinated efforts aim to maintain a balance between public input and the operational needs of the aviation industry. Click on the links below to learn more about each role and their contributions to effective noise management.
Local Airport Sponsors are the primary contact for noise complaints, collecting and documenting concerns from residents. They engage with the community through outreach initiatives to discuss noise issues, explain operational constraints, and provide updates on mitigation efforts, fostering collaboration and understanding.
Many sponsors operate noise monitoring systems to analyze flight operation impacts and report trends to the public and regulatory agencies like the FAA, aiding in the development of future noise management strategies. They may also manage noise compatibility programs, such as the FAA’s Part 150 program, to systematically address airport noise impacts.
While the FAA is the sole regulator of US airspace, local airport sponsors coordinate with the FAA and other stakeholders to implement noise abatement procedures when feasible, which may include adjusting flight paths or promoting quieter operations. Additionally, they advocate for noise-related policy changes and resources, ensuring local community concerns are represented in aviation policy discussions.
How do I contact my airport? Click here to be redirected to the airport information page.
The Regional Community Engagement Officer (CEO), also known as a Regional Ombudsman, serves as a vital liaison between the FAA, airports, local communities, and aviation stakeholders. Their primary role is to facilitate communication, providing residents with information about aviation noise issues, regulations, and initiatives.
At each of the FAA's nine regional offices throughout the United States, the FAA has a CEO to address public inquiries related to aviation noise, pollution, and safety. They coordinate the FAA’s response to noise complaints, working with experts to deliver timely information about regulations and mitigation efforts. While they foster dialogue and relationships with communities, they cannot address all aviation issues. For ongoing noise disturbances, residents are encouraged to contact local airports for assistance.
Additionally, the CEO builds relationships with communities, airports, and elected officials to ensure voices are heard. They educate the public on FAA policies and noise mitigation efforts, enhancing community understanding of airspace management complexities.
The CEO actively participates in many outreach events, listening to concerns and discussing noise reduction strategies. They collaborate with airports and aircraft operators to explore feasible noise abatement measures, such as altering flight paths or operational procedures. Ultimately, they represent the FAA in community meetings, ensuring clear communication of the agency's actions and policies related to noise concerns.
Who is my Regional CEO? Click here to be redirected to the Regional CEO contact page.
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