Longmont, CO Noise Ordinances: Aircraft Noise (2026)
Key Facts
- Small aircraft altitude
- 1,000 feet AGL
- Larger/turbine aircraft
- 1,500 feet AGL
- Helicopters/ultralights/gyrocopters
- 500 feet AGL
- Noise-abatement patterns
- published on airport dept webpage (K.3)
- Airport
- Vance Brand Municipal Airport
- Fine for violation
- up to $500.00 (§13.39.020.H)
- Enforcement authority
- city/airport manager (§13.39.020.B)
Summary
Pilots using Longmont's Vance Brand Municipal Airport are directed to fly recommended traffic pattern altitudes designed to limit noise over nearby neighborhoods under Longmont Municipal Code § 13.39.040(K). Small aircraft fly at 1,000 feet AGL, larger and turbine aircraft at 1,500 feet, and helicopters, ultralights and gyrocopters at 500 feet, and § 13.39.040(K)(3) directs pilots to follow separately published noise-abatement traffic patterns when possible.
K.Traffic patterns.1.Aircraft should conform to the following traffic pattern altitudes, unless otherwise specifically authorized by air traffic control or necessary for safety of flight as determined by the pilot in command:a.Small general aviation aircraft: 1,000 feet AGL;b.Larger and turbine general aviation aircraft: 1,500 feet AGL;c.Helicopters: 500 feet AGL; andd.Ultralight and gyrocopters: 500 feet AGL.2.All aircraft should fly the traffic pattern in accordance with the recommendations of the FAA Advisory Circular 90-66A, unless otherwise published in the airport facility directory or by NOTAM.3.Recommended traffic patterns for noise abatement procedures for airplanes, rotorcraft, ultralight, and gyrocopters may vary from the above recommended procedures and should be followed when possible. These patterns are published on the city's airport department webpage.
Full Breakdown
040(K)(1). 040(K)(2). 040(K)(3) goes further for noise: it recognizes that recommended traffic patterns for noise abatement for airplanes, rotorcraft, ultralight aircraft and gyrocopters can vary from the standard pattern altitudes above and directs pilots to follow the noise-abatement patterns when possible, referring pilots to the patterns published on the city's airport department webpage rather than printing fixed routes in the code itself. 040(C)(1). 020(H).
Violations & Fines
A pilot who disregards the traffic-pattern altitudes in § 13.39.040(K)(1) or ignores a posted noise-abatement pattern without an air-traffic-control authorization or a safety justification can be found in violation of chapter 13.39, punishable in municipal court by a fine of up to $500.00 under § 13.39.020(H). The airport manager may also issue a written notice of violation giving ten business days to respond, and can pursue other remedies, including revoking a commercial operator's airport permit, under § 13.39.020(E)-(F).
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find Longmont's noise-abatement flight patterns for Vance Brand Airport?
What altitude should I fly the traffic pattern at Vance Brand Airport?
Is the noise-abatement pattern mandatory or just a suggestion?
Can I be fined for violating airport noise or traffic-pattern rules in Longmont?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Longmont
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Aircraft Noise in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Boulder County handle aircraft noise.