Tennessee Aircraft Noise (2026)

Key Facts

Preemption source: Federal Aviation Act
State role: Airport zoning only
Statute: T.C.A. Title 42
Local authority: Limited; FAA approval required

Full Breakdown

The Federal Aviation Act and Airline Deregulation Act preempt state and local control of aircraft operations, including noise from flight paths, takeoffs, and landings. Tennessee Code Annotated Title 42 governs aeronautics and airport zoning but defers to FAA noise standards. Local airport authorities may impose ground-based curfews and noise abatement procedures only with FAA approval. Property owners cannot use Tennessee nuisance law to restrict navigable airspace use, though inverse condemnation claims for low overflights remain available.

Violations & Penalties

Federal enforcement only; state/local rules attempting flight regulation are void.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Tennessee cities ban low-flying aircraft over neighborhoods?

No. Federal law preempts local regulation of aircraft operations and altitude. Cities cannot enact flight-path restrictions or in-flight noise limits, though they may zone land use around airports.

Can homeowners sue over aircraft noise in Tennessee?

Inverse condemnation claims are possible if frequent low overflights substantially impair property use. Standard nuisance actions against airlines or pilots are generally barred by federal preemption.

Tennessee Aircraft Noise Federally Preempts State and Local Rules