Aircraft noise in Kentucky is regulated exclusively under federal law by the FAA. Neither the Commonwealth nor its municipalities may impose flight operation, altitude, or in-flight noise restrictions.
Kentucky's aeronautics statutes in KRS Chapter 183 defer to federal authority over aircraft operations. The Federal Aviation Act and Airline Deregulation Act preempt state and local rules attempting to control flight paths, altitudes, or in-flight noise. Local airport boards in Kentucky, including Louisville and Lexington, may adopt ground-based noise abatement procedures, runway-use programs, and curfews only with FAA approval under FAR Part 161. Property owners cannot use Kentucky nuisance law to restrict navigable airspace use, though inverse condemnation claims for repeated low overflights remain available under the Takings Clause.
Federal enforcement only; any state or local rule regulating flight operations is void.
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