Wichita, KS Noise Ordinances: Aircraft Noise (2026)

Wichita is the aviation capital of the world, with Spirit AeroSystems, Textron Aviation, Bombardier Learjet, and McConnell Air Force Base operating large flight test, manufacturing, and refueling tanker programs. The Federal Aviation Administration has exclusive jurisdiction over airspace, takeoff and landing procedures, and aircraft engine noise under the Airline Deregulation Act and the Aviation Safety and Noise Abatement Act. The City of Wichita and Sedgwick County therefore cannot adopt ordinances that ban night flights, set decibel caps for aircraft, or impose fines on operators. Local policy focuses on Title 28 zoning compatibility around ICT and the Air Installation Compatible Use Zone study for McConnell. New residential subdivisions inside designated noise contours must record an avigation easement and an aircraft noise disclosure on the deed before plat approval. Soundproofing grants are occasionally available to homes inside the 65 DNL contour through joint city and FAA programs. Complaints about specific aircraft, low overflights, or test flights from Spirit and Textron should be directed to the airport noise office at ICT or to the McConnell community relations office, not to Wichita 311. Helicopter tours, medical flights from Wesley and Ascension Via Christi, and police helicopter operations are also covered by FAA preemption.