Aircraft noise is federally preempted under the Federal Aviation Act. Richmond International Airport (RIC) sits in Henrico County, not the city; noise concerns are addressed through the Capital Region Airport Commission and FAA Part 150 studies.
Federal law (49 U.S.C. 40103 and 14 CFR Part 91) preempts local regulation of aircraft in flight. Richmond International Airport (RIC) is operated by the Capital Region Airport Commission and located in Henrico County east of the city. The city of Richmond does not regulate flight paths, takeoff hours, or noise abatement procedures; these fall to the FAA and the airport. Residents affected by overflights can submit noise reports through the RIC noise complaint portal. Helicopter operations at VCU Medical Center, MCV Campus, and Richmond Ambulance Authority are exempt as medical emergency flights.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
See how Richmond's aircraft noise rules stack up against other locations.
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