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Winston-Salem, NC Noise Ordinances: Aircraft Noise (2026)

Few Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Federal Preemption
49 U.S.C. 40103
Smith Reynolds
INT reliever airport
Local Authority
None over flights
Noise Program
FAA Part 150 at GSO

Summary

Smith Reynolds (INT) and Piedmont Triad (GSO) aircraft noise is federally preempted under 49 U.S.C. 40103. Winston-Salem cannot regulate flights. Airports use FAA Part 150 programs.

Almost 2.6 million passengers fly in and out of U.S. airports every day. Aviation supports 10.6 million American jobs, and moved 39.9 billion pounds of freight in 2016. Along with these benefits, the airplanes that move all these people and products may also disturb those living or working near airports by exposing them to noise. Over the last 40 years, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has been working to reduce the number of Americans exposed to aviation noise around airport communities. By one measure, it has been a success: over the last four decades, the number of people in the U.S. exposed to aviation noise has dropped substantially, even as the number of flights has soared. However, even with this success, aviation noise is and remains a concern for many communities. To promote ways in which to better balance the benefits and adverse effects of aviation on airport communities, FAA continues work to improve its means of understanding and reducing the effects of aircraft noise exposure. The goal of this website is to inform you about aviation noise and the FAA's ongoing work to improve our understanding of the ways aviation noise may affect communities.

Source: FAA Airport NoiseView official code

Full Breakdown

Aircraft noise at Smith Reynolds Airport (INT) in northeast Winston-Salem and at nearby Piedmont Triad International (GSO) is regulated exclusively by the Federal Aviation Administration under 49 U.S.C. 40103 and 14 CFR Part 91. Winston-Salem cannot impose curfews or flight restrictions. Smith Reynolds, a reliever general-aviation airport, implements voluntary noise abatement procedures including preferred runway use and suggested departure headings to reduce overflight of residential areas north of the airport. Piedmont Triad operates an FAA Part 150 noise compatibility program. Residents with complaints can contact the airport noise line, but enforcement authority rests with the FAA. Zoning near both airports includes avigation easements and height/obstruction limits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Winston-Salem impose an airport curfew?
No. Federal law preempts local regulation of aircraft operations.
How do I report loud aircraft?
Call the airport operator, but enforcement is with the FAA, not the city.

Sources & Official References

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