Chicago Noise from Specific Sources: Helicopter Flight Paths Rules (2026)

Federal law at 49 USC 40103 vests exclusive control of navigable airspace in the FAA. Chicago helicopter flight paths are managed by Chicago Air Route Traffic Control Center, O'Hare TRACON for arrivals into Vertiport Chicago and university helipads, and visual flight rules procedures published in the FAA Chicago Helicopter Route Chart. The CDA participates in voluntary noise abatement programs that recommend lakefront and river-corridor routes, avoidance of dense residential zones, and minimum altitudes of 1,500 feet over schools and hospitals when feasible. The City may not condition private heliport zoning on flight path obligations beyond ground-noise controls. Complaints about path deviations should go directly to the FAA Great Lakes Region.