Plano, TX Noise Ordinances: Aircraft Noise (2026)

Plano does not regulate aircraft-in-flight noise because 49 U.S.C. section 40103 gives the Federal Aviation Administration exclusive authority over navigable airspace. The Plano noise ordinance contains standard exemptions for aircraft operating in accordance with FAA regulations, meaning Plano Police and Code Compliance cannot cite a pilot or operator for overflight noise. Plano sits beneath approach and departure corridors for DFW International Airport, a major source of commercial jet noise primarily west and southwest of town; Addison Airport (ADS), a high-volume general aviation reliever approximately 8 miles south that generates light-jet and turboprop traffic; and McKinney National Airport (TKI), a growing corporate aviation field just northeast. Residents bothered by low overflights, helicopters, or repeated patterns should file complaints directly with the originating airport's noise line (DFW Noise Office, Addison Airport Noise Line, or McKinney National Airport) and with the FAA Dallas Flight Standards District Office. Helicopter medevac flights from Medical Center of Plano and news traffic helicopters have additional FAA protections. Ground-based airport operations (engine run-ups, taxiing) are governed by the origin airport's own rules. Plano itself has no municipal airport and no airport noise overlay zoning district.