North Carolina Aircraft Noise Preemption Law

Under N.C.G.S. Chapter 63, the regulation of aircraft operations and noise falls under federal jurisdiction through the FAA, with state oversight by the NC Department of Transportation Division of Aviation. Local governments may adopt airport zoning ordinances under Article 4 of Chapter 63 to limit incompatible land uses near airports, but cannot directly regulate aircraft flight operations or in-flight noise levels. Airport hazard zoning must be coordinated with airport sponsors and conform to FAA regulations.

Local rules attempting to ban or restrict aircraft flight operations are invalid and preempted by federal and state law.