Portland, ME Noise Ordinances: Aircraft Noise (2026)

Aircraft-in-flight noise is regulated under federal law (49 U.S.C. § 40103 and FAR Part 36 / FAR Part 150) and the FAA retains primary authority over aircraft operations and procedures. Portland's only local touchpoint is the Portland International Jetport (PWM), which completed its first FAR Part 150 Noise Compatibility Study in 1989 (FAA-approved March 1990) and a Part 150 update finalized March 2006. PWM operates a voluntary 'Fly Quiet' program rather than a mandatory nighttime curfew — aircraft operators are encouraged (not required) to use noise-mitigating flight patterns when weather permits. A new RNP instrument procedure designed to keep approaches over water and reduce overflights of Peaks Island and South Portland residential areas was scheduled for January 2026. The City of Portland's Noise Advisory Committee (organized 1988) reviews semi-monthly compliance reports but has no enforcement authority over aircraft. The general municipal disorderly-conduct noise prohibition (Portland Code § 17-17) does NOT apply to aircraft in flight. Ground-based airport noise (engine run-ups, ground equipment) is governed by the airport's own operating rules and the FAA-approved Noise Compatibility Program. Complaints are filed through PWM's Vector Flight Track Monitoring System.