Aircraft noise from the Albuquerque International Sunport and Kirtland AFB is preempted by FAA regulation, but the city coordinates community noise mitigation through the ABQ Sunport Noise Office.
Federal Aviation Administration rules under 14 CFR Part 150 preempt municipal regulation of aircraft in flight, so Albuquerque cannot set decibel limits on jets landing at the Sunport (ABQ) or military aircraft from Kirtland AFB. The city does operate an Airport Noise Office that accepts complaints, coordinates with the FAA on preferred flight paths, and manages the ABQ Sunport Part 150 Noise Compatibility Program. Balloon Fiesta flights, helicopter tours over the Sandias, and Kirtland training operations all generate seasonal complaints. Residents in South Valley, Mesa del Sol, and Four Hills neighborhoods fall within the 65 DNL noise contour and can apply for residential sound insulation if funding rounds are open. Ground noise from run-ups is regulated by airport operations rather than ROA 9-9.
Aircraft operations are not cited under city code. Ground-based noise at airport facilities may be addressed under ROA 9-9 and FAA airport certification rules. Residents file complaints through the Sunport Noise Office.
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