Aircraft-in-flight noise is preempted by federal law (City of Burbank v. Lockheed Air Terminal, 411 U.S. 624). Tulare Municipal Code Chapter 6.40 cannot regulate flight operations at Mefford Field (KTLR). Airport-proprietor noise-compatibility planning runs through the FAA Part 150 process and Caltrans Aeronautics' Airport Noise Program (Cal. Pub. Util. Code Div. 9 / 21 CCR §§ 5000 et seq.).
Tulare owns and operates Mefford Field (KTLR), a general-aviation airport with roughly 30,000 annual operations. Under the Supremacy Clause and the Federal Aviation Act, in-flight noise and airspace use are federal matters; the City cannot impose curfews, type restrictions, or operational caps without going through FAR Part 161. As airport proprietor, the City may adopt voluntary noise-abatement procedures (preferred runway use, pattern altitudes, fly-quiet patterns) and pursue compatible land-use planning through the Tulare County Airport Land Use Commission. Chapter 6.40 noise standards do not apply to aircraft in flight; they may apply to ground-based airport activities (engine run-ups, ground equipment) only to the extent not preempted. Caltrans' airport-noise standard (21 CCR §5006) sets a 65 dB CNEL limit for noise-impacted areas around state-permitted airports.
Pilots flying noisy patterns are not violating a city ordinance — complaints should go to the airport manager and, for safety-of-flight issues, to the FAA Flight Standards District Office. Local enforcement is limited to ground-based, non-flight noise sources at airport facilities.
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