Gaithersburg does not regulate aircraft noise at the municipal level as aviation is governed by the FAA. However, proximity to Montgomery County Airpark and the Dulles/BWI flight paths creates community noise exposure. Maryland Aviation Administration and FAA handle aircraft noise complaints.
Aircraft noise over Gaithersburg is under federal jurisdiction through the FAA and is not regulated by city or county ordinance. The city is located near Montgomery County Airpark (GAI), a general aviation airport approximately 3 miles north of the city center. Flight paths for Dulles International Airport (IAD) and Baltimore-Washington International Airport (BWI) also cross portions of the Gaithersburg area at higher altitudes. The Montgomery County Airpark primarily handles small single-engine and light twin-engine aircraft with operations concentrated during daytime hours. Noise concerns related to the airpark are addressed through the Maryland Aviation Administration and the Montgomery County Noise Advisory Committee. The FAA established voluntary noise abatement procedures for Montgomery County Airpark including preferred runways and flight paths to minimize residential overflights. Residents may file complaints through the FAA noise portal or contact the Maryland Aviation Administration directly.
No municipal penalties apply. Aircraft noise is exclusively under federal jurisdiction. Complaints are directed to the FAA and Maryland Aviation Administration.
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