Aircraft noise in Indiana is governed primarily by federal law and the FAA, with the state regulating airport zoning and tall structures under IC 8-21. Local Indiana governments cannot regulate aircraft operations or in-flight noise.
The federal Airline Deregulation Act and FAA control aircraft operations, flight paths, altitudes, and in-flight noise nationwide, preempting state and local regulation. Indiana Code Title 8 Article 21 governs aeronautics statewide, including airport licensing and tall-structure zoning around airports under IC 8-21-10 to keep airspace unobstructed. Counties and municipalities may adopt airport zoning ordinances under IC 8-21-10 only consistent with state and federal law. They cannot impose curfews, flight restrictions, or noise limits on aircraft in flight. Airport proprietors may adopt non-discriminatory noise abatement procedures with FAA approval.
Local rules attempting to restrict aircraft operations, flight paths, or in-flight noise are preempted and unenforceable. Tall structure violations are Class B infractions under IC 8-21-10.
See how Anderson's aircraft noise rules stack up against other locations.
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