Missouri Aircraft Noise Federal Preemption Statewide

The U.S. Supreme Court in City of Burbank v. Lockheed Air Terminal (1973) held that federal aviation law preempts state and local regulation of aircraft noise. The FAA exclusively regulates aircraft noise emissions through certification standards in 14 CFR Part 36, controls navigable airspace, and approves operational flight patterns. Missouri municipalities and the state cannot impose flight curfews, mandatory altitude minimums for noise abatement, or aircraft-specific decibel limits. Airport proprietors retain limited authority to adopt non-discriminatory noise rules on their own property under the Airport Noise and Capacity Act (ANCA) of 1990, subject to FAA approval. Land-use compatibility planning around airports remains a state and local function under Missouri zoning authority.

Local Missouri ordinances purporting to restrict aircraft operations are unenforceable as preempted. Federal noise certification violations are enforced exclusively by the FAA under 14 CFR Part 36.