This Congressional Research Service report explains how the federal government regulates aircraft noise around U.S. airports, primarily through two FAA programs: a voluntary noise compatibility planning program (Part 150) and a framework governing noise-based access restrictions (Part 161). It also highlights a key policy debate around whether the longstanding DNL 65 decibel threshold for 'significant' noise is still appropriate, given newer FAA survey data suggesting communities are significantly annoyed at much lower noise levels. The report is relevant to ongoing discussions about updating federal aviation noise standards ahead of the expected 2023 FAA reauthorization.Open full document
Notes
This Congressional Research Service report examines federal regulations and programs addressing aircraft noise, focusing on FAA’s two primary airport noise programs: Airport Noise Compatibility Planning (14 C.F.R. Part 150) and Airport Noise and Access Restrictions (14 C.F.R. Part 161). The report discusses the history of aviation noise legislation, the DNL 65 dB threshold for significant noise, and noise-related provisions in the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018. It also addresses policy considerations, including whether the DNL 65 dB threshold remains adequate given recent survey findings showing annoyance at lower noise levels.