Aircraft engine run-ups at IAH and HOU follow FAA airport noise compatibility programs and airport tenant agreements. Houston cannot regulate aircraft operations directly due to federal preemption.
Engine run-ups (high-power maintenance and pre-flight tests) at George Bush Intercontinental (IAH) and William P. Hobby (HOU) airports are governed by FAA airport noise compatibility programs under 14 CFR Part 150 rather than Houston city ordinance. Federal preemption (49 USC 47521) bars municipal regulation of aircraft operations and noise. Houston Airport System imposes airport tenant rules: designated run-up locations, hush-house facilities at IAH, time-of-day limits (often no run-ups 10pm-7am), and engine-orientation constraints to direct noise away from residential neighborhoods. Complaints route to the airport noise office, which logs incidents and works with operators on voluntary mitigation. FAA Part 150 noise contours guide land-use compatibility around both airports.
Tenant violations of airport-issued rules can trigger lease penalties, run-up location restrictions, and access curtailment. FAA enforcement against operators may add civil penalties for unsafe procedures.
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See how Houston's airport engine run-up rules stack up against other locations.
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