Aircraft noise in Colorado is governed almost entirely by federal aviation law, and state and local governments cannot directly regulate flight operations, though airport proprietors have limited authority.
Federal law under 49 U.S.C. 40103 and 14 C.F.R. Part 91 preempts state and local regulation of aircraft in flight, including noise from takeoffs, landings, and overflights. Colorado does not impose decibel limits on aircraft, and C.R.S. 25-12-103 expressly excludes aircraft from its noise abatement scheme. Airport proprietors, including Denver International and other municipal airports, may establish reasonable, non-discriminatory operating restrictions through FAA-approved Part 161 procedures, but cities and counties cannot enforce general noise ordinances against aircraft. Complaints are routed through airport noise offices and the FAA.
Local noise enforcement against aircraft is generally invalid; complaints must be directed to the FAA or to airport proprietors who may impose airport-specific operating curfews subject to federal review.
See how Westminster's aircraft noise rules stack up against other locations.
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