Aircraft noise across Pennsylvania is preempted by federal law, leaving municipalities and the Commonwealth without authority to regulate flight operations or in-flight sound.
Under the Federal Aviation Act (49 U.S.C. 40103) and the Airline Deregulation Act, the FAA holds exclusive authority over navigable airspace, flight paths, altitudes, and aircraft noise emissions throughout Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania municipalities and the Commonwealth cannot impose curfews, decibel limits, or routing restrictions on aircraft in flight. Limited authority remains for airport proprietors (such as Philadelphia International, Pittsburgh International, and Harrisburg International) over ground operations on airport property, but only with FAA approval under the Airport Noise and Capacity Act, 49 U.S.C. 47521.
Pennsylvania local ordinances attempting to regulate aircraft noise are unenforceable and subject to federal preemption challenges. Affected residents must pursue FAA Part 150 noise studies or airport proprietor remedies.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
See how Williamsport's aircraft noise rules stack up against other locations.
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