Aircraft noise in Ohio is regulated almost exclusively by the Federal Aviation Administration, leaving local governments and the state with limited authority over flight-related noise issues.
Ohio Revised Code Chapter 4561 governs aviation in the state, but operational aircraft noise is preempted by federal law under 49 U.S.C. 40103 and FAA regulations. Ohio cities cannot set flight altitudes, routes, or in-flight noise limits. Local airport proprietors may adopt reasonable, nondiscriminatory noise abatement procedures only with FAA coordination. Ground operations such as engine run-ups can be locally regulated in limited ways, but airspace control belongs to the federal government. Affected residents must pursue complaints through the FAA Noise Portal or the airport operator.
FAA enforces violations of federal flight rules; civil penalties can reach thousands per incident.
See how Sunbury's aircraft noise rules stack up against other locations.
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