Aircraft noise around Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) and Lakefront Airport is regulated by federal aviation authorities, not by city ordinance. The City of New Orleans maintains a noise abatement program in coordination with the FAA, and residents can submit complaints through the airport noise office.
Federal law preempts most local control over aircraft noise. Under the Airline Deregulation Act and the Federal Aviation Act, the FAA has exclusive authority over flight operations, including takeoff procedures, flight paths, and altitude restrictions. As a result, the City of New Orleans cannot directly restrict aircraft noise through municipal ordinance, even where flights pass over residential neighborhoods near Louis Armstrong International (MSY) in Kenner or Lakefront Airport in Gentilly.
MSY operates a voluntary noise abatement program that encourages pilots to use preferred runway configurations and follow noise abatement departure procedures whenever weather and traffic permit. The airport publishes flight tracking and complaint data, and operates a noise office to receive and document community concerns. Residents living near approach and departure corridors, particularly in Kenner, Metairie, and parts of New Orleans East, can submit complaints through the airport website or by phone.
For non-aircraft noise on airport property, such as ground equipment or construction, both city and parish ordinances may apply. Helicopter operations from medical facilities, sightseeing tours, and law enforcement are also subject to FAA control. Residents seeking long-term changes to flight paths should engage with the airport noise compatibility program and the FAA Part 150 study process.
Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact New Orleans code enforcement directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.
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