Aircraft noise in Washington is preempted by federal aviation law, and the state expressly excludes aircraft in flight from its noise control regulations under WAC 173-60-050.
The Federal Aviation Act preempts state and local regulation of aircraft operations and noise in flight. WAC 173-60-050(4)(b) explicitly exempts sounds originating from aircraft in flight and sounds related directly to such operations. Airport ground operations may be regulated locally. RCW 14.08 governs municipal airport authority but does not authorize noise rules conflicting with FAA Part 150 procedures.
State and local enforcement is unavailable for in-flight aircraft noise; complaints route to the FAA or airport operator.
See how Kennewick's aircraft noise rules stack up against other locations.
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