Aircraft noise in Dutchess County is preempted by federal law under 49 USC 40103 (FAA sole authority over navigable airspace). Dutchess County Airport (POU) in Wappingers Falls serves general aviation. Stewart International Airport (SWF) in Orange County affects southwestern Dutchess including parts of East Fishkill and Beacon. Complaints go to the airport operator or FAA, not Dutchess County government.
Federal preemption under 49 USC 40103 and the Airline Deregulation Act means neither Dutchess County nor any of its 20 towns can regulate aircraft operations, flight paths, or altitudes. Dutchess County Airport (POU) is county-owned at 263 New Hackensack Road in Wappingers Falls and publishes voluntary noise-abatement procedures including preferred runways and a fly-neighborly program; complaints go to the airport manager at (845) 463-6000. Stewart IAP (SWF) operates under the Port Authority of NY & NJ and has a formal Part 150 Noise Compatibility Study; its noise hotline is (845) 563-2001. Helicopter traffic serving the Hudson Valley tourism corridor and Metro-North Hudson Line passenger operations are also FAA-preempted. Local zoning can regulate ground-based impacts such as airport parking and terminal expansion through SEQR environmental review.
No local fines - FAA handles federal aviation violations. Ground-based zoning or construction violations at the airport follow standard town building penalties up to $350/day.
Dutchess County, NY
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See how Dutchess County's aircraft noise rules stack up against other locations.
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