Federal law preempts local control of aircraft engine maintenance run-ups at George Bush Intercontinental and William P. Hobby. Houston Airport System sets voluntary nighttime run-up procedures and dedicated run-up pads. Harris County cannot fine carriers for engine noise but logs Part 150 noise complaints.
Under the Airline Deregulation Act and 49 U.S.C. 41713, federal law preempts local regulation of aircraft operations including ground engine run-ups. Houston Airport System operates IAH and Hobby (HOU) and follows FAA Part 150 Noise Compatibility Plans approved in the 2010s. Run-ups at IAH are restricted to designated pads and night maintenance run-ups generally must use the western pad with thrust limits between ten PM and seven AM. Hobby has similar voluntary nighttime restrictions. Harris County Pollution Control and HAS jointly track Part 150 noise complaints through the WebTrak public portal. Local nuisance lawsuits are routinely preempted by Burbank-Glendale-Pasadena Airport Auth. v. City of Burbank precedent.
Local fines are not available against airlines for engine run-ups due to federal preemption. Repeated violations of HAS run-up procedures can lead to airline lease penalties, FAA Part 139 enforcement, and removal of after-hours run-up privileges by the airport director.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Harris County.
See how Pasadena's airport engine run-up rules stack up against other locations.
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