Both O'Hare and Midway are City of Chicago Department of Aviation airports operating under FAA Part 150 noise compatibility programs. Cook County has no county-owned commercial airport and therefore no county-level engine run-up rules; CDA airfield-use procedures govern run-ups.
Cook County does not own or operate any commercial-service airport. O'Hare International (KORD) and Midway International (KMDW) are owned and operated by the City of Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA), each running an FAA Part 150 noise compatibility study and the Fly Quiet voluntary nighttime runway program. Engine run-ups for maintenance occur in designated run-up pads with airfield-use procedures and time-of-day restrictions set by CDA in consultation with the FAA Air Traffic Control Tower. Cook County Chapter 38 noise rules are preempted as to airfield airside operations under 49 USC 40103 and 49 USC 47107(a). Suburban airports such as Chicago Executive (PWK) are jointly owned by Wheeling and Prospect Heights, not the county.
Cook County cannot cite airlines for engine run-up noise at O'Hare or Midway. FAA Part 150 and CDA airfield-use rules govern run-up timing. Violations are addressed through the CDA Noise Office and FAA Chicago ADO.
See how Schaumburg's airport engine run-up rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.