SUBCHAPTER I—NOISE ABATEMENT
§47501. Definitions
In this subchapter—
(1) "airport" means a public-use airport as defined in section 47102 of this title.
(2) "airport operator" means—
(A) for an airport serving air carriers that have certificates from the Secretary of Transportation, any person holding an airport operating certificate issued under section 44706 of this title; and
(B) for any other airport, the person operating the airport.
(Pub. L. 103–272, §1(e), July 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 1284.)
Historical and Revision Notes
| Revised Section | Source (U.S. Code) | Source (Statutes at Large) |
|---|
| 47501(1) |
49 App.:2101(1). |
Feb. 18, 1980, Pub. L. 96–193, §101(1), 94 Stat. 50; restated Sept. 3, 1982, Pub. L. 97–248, §524(b)(1), 96 Stat. 696; Dec. 30, 1987, Pub. L. 100–223, §103(f), 101 Stat. 1489. |
| |
49 App.:2101(3). |
Feb. 18, 1980, Pub. L. 96–193, §101(3), 94 Stat. 50. |
| 47501(2) |
49 App.:2101(2). |
Feb. 18, 1980, Pub. L. 96–193, §101(2), 94 Stat. 50; restated Sept. 3, 1982, Pub. L. 97–248, §524(b)(2), 96 Stat. 696. |
| |
49 App.:1551(b)(1)(E). |
Aug. 23, 1958, Pub. L. 85–726, 72 Stat. 731, §1601(b)(1)(E); added Oct. 4, 1984, Pub. L. 98–443, §3(e), 98 Stat. 1704. |
In this section, the words "the term" are omitted as surplus.
In clause (1), the text of 49 App.:2101(3) is omitted as surplus because the complete name of the Secretary of Transportation is used the first time the term appears in a section.
In clause (2), the word "valid" is omitted as surplus.
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Part 150 Noise Standards Update
Pub. L. 118–63, title VII, §786, May 16, 2024, 138 Stat. 1313, provided that:
"(a) In General.—Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act [May 16, 2024], the Administrator [of the Federal Aviation Administration] shall review and revise, as appropriate, part 150 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, to reflect all relevant laws and regulations, including part 161 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations.
"(b) Outreach.—As part of the review conducted under subsection (a), the Administrator shall clarify existing and future noise policies and standards and seek feedback from airports, airport users, and individuals living in the vicinity of airports and in airport adjacent communities before implementing any changes to any noise policies or standards.
"(c) Briefing.—Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, and every 6 months thereafter, the Administrator shall brief the appropriate committees of Congress [Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives] regarding the review conducted under subsection (a).
"(d) Sunset.—The requirement under subsection (c) shall terminate on the earlier of—
"(1) October 1, 2028; or
"(2) the date on which 1 briefing is provided under subsection (c) after the changes in subsection (a) are implemented."
Reducing Community Aircraft Noise Exposure
Pub. L. 118–63, title VII, §787, May 16, 2024, 138 Stat. 1313, provided that:
"In implementing or substantially revising a flight procedure, the Administrator [of the Federal Aviation Administration] shall consider the following actions (to the extent that such actions do not negatively affect aviation safety or efficiency) to reduce undesirable aircraft noise:
"(1) Implement flight procedures that can mitigate the impact of aircraft noise, based on a consensus community recommendation.
"(2) Work with airport sponsors and potentially impacted neighboring communities in establishing or modifying aircraft arrival and departure routes.
"(3) In collaboration with local governments, discourage local encroachment of residential or other buildings near airports that could create future aircraft noise complaints or impact airport operations or aviation safety."
Information Sharing Requirement
Pub. L. 118–63, title VII, §794, May 16, 2024, 138 Stat. 1319, provided that:
"(a) In General.—Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act [May 16, 2024], the Secretary [of Transportation], acting through the Administrator [of the Federal Aviation Administration], shall establish a mechanism to make helicopter noise complaint data accessible to the FAA [Federal Aviation Administration], to helicopter operators operating in the Washington, DC area, and to the public on a website of the FAA, based on the recommendation of the Government Accountability Office in the report titled 'Aircraft Noise: Better Information Sharing Could Improve Responses to Washington, D.C. Area Helicopter Noise Concerns', published on January 7, 2021 (GAO–21–200).
"(b) Cooperation.—Any helicopter operator operating in the Washington, DC area shall, to the extent practicable, provide helicopter noise complaint data to the FAA through the mechanism established under subsection (a).
"(c) Definitions.—In this section:
"(1) Helicopter noise complaint data.—The term 'helicopter noise complaint data'—
"(A) means general data relating to a complaint made by an individual about helicopter noise in the Washington, DC area and may include—
"(i) the location and description of the event that is the subject of the complaint;
"(ii) the start and end time of such event;
"(iii) a description of the aircraft that is the subject of the complaint; and
"(iv) the airport name associated with such event; and
"(B) does not include the personally identifiable information of the individual who submitted the complaint.
"(2) Washington, dc area.—The term 'Washington, DC area' means the area inside of a 30-mile radius surrounding Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport."
Mitigation of Military Helicopter Noise
Pub. L. 116–283, div. A, title X, §1087, Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 3877, provided that:
"(a) Process for Tracking Complaints.—The Secretary of Defense, in coordination with the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority, shall develop a process to receive, track, and analyze complaints of military rotary wing aircraft noise in the National Capital Region that are registered on the noise inquiry websites of Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport and Dulles International Airport.
"(b) National Capital Region.—In this section, the term 'National Capital Region' has the meaning given such term in section 2674(f)(2) of title 10, United States Code."
Addressing Community Noise Concerns
Pub. L. 115–254, div. B, title I, §175, Oct. 5, 2018, 132 Stat. 3228, provided that: "When proposing a new area navigation departure procedure, or amending an existing procedure that would direct aircraft between the surface and 6,000 feet above ground level over noise sensitive areas, the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration shall consider the feasibility of dispersal headings or other lateral track variations to address community noise concerns, if—
"(1) the affected airport operator, in consultation with the affected community, submits a request to the Administrator for such a consideration;
"(2) the airport operator's request would not, in the judgment of the Administrator, conflict with the safe and efficient operation of the national airspace system; and
"(3) the effect of a modified departure procedure would not significantly increase noise over noise sensitive areas, as determined by the Administrator."
Aviation Noise Complaints
Pub. L. 112–95, title V, §510, Feb. 14, 2012, 126 Stat. 107, provided that: "Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act [Feb. 14, 2012], each owner or operator of a large hub airport (as defined in section 40102(a) of title 49, United States Code) shall publish on an Internet Web site of the airport a telephone number to receive aviation noise complaints related to the airport."
Airport Noise Study
Pub. L. 106–181, title VII, §745, Apr. 5, 2000, 114 Stat. 178, as amended by Pub. L. 106–528, §7(a), Nov. 22, 2000, 114 Stat. 2521, provided that:
"(a) In General.—The Secretary [of Transportation] shall enter into an agreement with the National Academy of Sciences to conduct a study on airport noise in the United States.
"(b) Contents of Study.—In conducting the study, the National Academy of Sciences shall examine—
"(1) the threshold of noise at which health begins to be affected;
"(2) the effectiveness of noise abatement programs at airports located in the United States;
"(3) the impacts of aircraft noise on communities, including schools; and
"(4) the noise assessment practices of the Federal Aviation Administration and whether such practices fairly and accurately reflect the burden of noise on communities.
"(c) Report.—Not later than 18 months after the date of the agreement entered into under subsection (a), the National Academy of Sciences shall transmit to the Secretary a report on the results of the study. Upon receipt of the report, the Secretary shall transmit a copy of the report to the appropriate committees of Congress.
"(d) Authorization of Appropriations.—There is authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out this section."
Nonmilitary Helicopter Noise
Pub. L. 106–181, title VII, §747, Apr. 5, 2000, 114 Stat. 179, required the Secretary of Transportation to conduct a study on the effects of nonmilitary helicopter noise on individuals in densely populated areas in the continental United States and develop recommendations for the reduction of the effects of nonmilitary helicopter noise, focusing on air traffic control procedures to address helicopter noise problems and the needs of law enforcement, considering the views of representatives of the helicopter industry, and report to Congress a report on the study not later than 1 year after Apr. 5, 2000.
§47502. Noise measurement and exposure systems and identifying land use compatible with noise exposure
After consultation with the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency and United States Government, State, and interstate agencies that the Secretary of Transportation considers appropriate, the Secretary shall by regulation—
(1) establish a single system of measuring noise that—
(A) has a highly reliable relationship between projected noise exposure and surveyed reactions of individuals to noise; and
(B) is applied uniformly in measuring noise at airports and the surrounding area;
(2) establish a single system for determining the exposure of individuals to noise resulting from airport operations, including noise intensity, duration, frequency, and time of occurrence; and
(3) identify land uses normally compatible with various exposures of individuals to noise.
(Pub. L. 103–272, §1(e), July 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 1284.)
In this section, before clause (1), the words "Not later than the last day of the twelfth month which begins after February 18, 1980" are omitted as obsolete.
§47503. Noise exposure maps
(a) Submission and Preparation.—An airport operator may submit to the Secretary of Transportation a noise exposure map showing the noncompatible uses in each area of the map on the date the map is submitted, a description of estimated aircraft operations during a forecast period that is at least 5 years in the future and how those operations will affect the map. The map shall—
(1) be prepared in consultation with public agencies and planning authorities in the area surrounding the airport; and
(2) comply with regulations prescribed under section 47502 of this title.
(b) Revised Maps.—
(1) In general.—An airport operator that submits a noise exposure map under subsection (a) shall submit a revised map to the Secretary if, in an area surrounding an airport, a change in the operation of the airport would establish a substantial new noncompatible use, or would significantly reduce noise over existing noncompatible uses, that is not reflected in either the existing conditions map or forecast map currently on file with the Federal Aviation Administration.
(2) Timing.—A submission under paragraph (1) shall be required only if the relevant change in the operation of the airport occurs during—
(A) the forecast period of the applicable noise exposure map submitted by an airport operator under subsection (a); or
(B) the implementation period of the airport operator's noise compatibility program.
(Pub. L. 103–272, §1(e), July 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 1284; Pub. L. 108–176, title III, §324, Dec. 12, 2003, 117 Stat. 2542; Pub. L. 115–254, div. B, title I, §174, Oct. 5, 2018, 132 Stat. 3228.)
Historical and Revision Notes
| Revised Section | Source (U.S. Code) | Source (Statutes at Large) |
|---|
| 47503(a) |
49 App.:2103(a)(1). |
Feb. 18, 1980, Pub. L. 96–193, §103(a), 94 Stat. 50. |
| 47503(b) |
49 App.:2103(a)(2). |
|
In subsection (a), before clause (1), the words "After the effective date of the regulations promulgated in accordance with section 2102 of this Appendix" are omitted as executed. The words "of an airport" and "at such airport" are omitted as surplus. The word "how" is substituted for "the ways, if any, in which" to eliminate unnecessary words. In clause (1), the words "planning authorities" are substituted for "planning agencies" for consistency.
In subsection (b), the words "to the Secretary" are added for clarity. The words "after the submission to the Secretary of a noise exposure map under paragraph (1)" are omitted as surplus.
Editorial Notes
Amendments
2018—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 115–254 amended subsec. (b) generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: "If, in an area surrounding an airport, a change in the operation of the airport would establish a substantial new noncompatible use, or would significantly reduce noise over existing noncompatible uses, that is not reflected in either the existing conditions map or forecast map currently on file with the Federal Aviation Administration, the airport operator shall submit a revised noise exposure map to the Secretary showing the new noncompatible use or noise reduction."
2003—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 108–176, §324(1), substituted "a forecast period that is at least 5 years in the future" for "1985," in introductory provisions.
Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 108–176, §324(2), added subsec. (b) and struck out heading and text of former subsec. (b). Text read as follows: "If a change in the operation of an airport will establish a substantial new noncompatible use in an area surrounding the airport, the airport operator shall submit a revised noise exposure map to the Secretary showing the new noncompatible use."
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date of 2003 Amendment
Amendment by Pub. L. 108–176 applicable only to fiscal years beginning after Sept. 30, 2003, except as otherwise specifically provided, see section 3 of Pub. L. 108–176, set out as a note under section 106 of this title.
Noise Disclosure
Pub. L. 108–176, title III, §322, Dec. 12, 2003, 117 Stat. 2540, provided that:
"(a) Noise Disclosure System Implementation Study.—The Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration shall conduct a study to determine the feasibility of developing a program under which prospective home buyers of property located in the vicinity of an airport could be notified of information derived from noise exposure maps that may affect the use and enjoyment of the property. The study shall assess the scope, administration, usefulness, and burdensomeness of any such program, the costs and benefits of such a program, and whether participation in such a program should be voluntary or mandatory.
"(b) Public Availability of Noise Exposure Maps.—The Administrator shall make noise exposure and land use information from noise exposure maps available to the public via the Internet on its website in an appropriate format.
"(c) Noise Exposure Map.—In this section, the term 'noise exposure map' means a noise exposure map prepared under section 47503 of title 49, United States Code."
§47504. Noise compatibility programs
(a) Submissions.—(1) An airport operator that submitted a noise exposure map and related information under section 47503(a) of this title may submit a noise compatibility program to the Secretary of Transportation after—
(A) consulting with public agencies and planning authorities in the area surrounding the airport, United States Government officials having local responsibility for the airport, and air carriers using the airport; and
(B) notice and an opportunity for a public hearing.
(2) A program submitted under paragraph (1) of this subsection shall state the measures the operator has taken or proposes to take to reduce existing noncompatible uses and prevent introducing additional noncompatible uses in the area covered by the map. The measures may include—
(A) establishing a preferential runway system;
(B) restricting the use of the airport by a type or class of aircraft because of the noise characteristics of the aircraft;
(C) constructing barriers and acoustical shielding and soundproofing public buildings;
(D) using flight procedures to control the operation of aircraft to reduce exposure of individuals to noise in the area surrounding the airport; and
(E) acquiring land, air rights, easements, development rights, and other interests to ensure that the property will be used in ways compatible with airport operations.
(b) Approvals.—(1) The Secretary shall approve or disapprove a program submitted under subsection (a) of this section (except as the program is related to flight procedures referred to in subsection (a)(2)(D) of this section) not later than 180 days after receiving it. The Secretary shall approve the program (except as the program is related to flight procedures referred to in subsection (a)(2)(D)) if the program—
(A) does not place an unreasonable burden on interstate or foreign commerce;
(B) is reasonably consistent with achieving the goal of reducing noncompatible uses and preventing the introduction of additional noncompatible uses; and
(C) provides for necessary revisions because of a revised map submitted under section 47503(b) of this title.
(2) A program (except as the program is related to flight procedures referred to in subsection (a)(2)(D) of this section) is deemed to be approved if the Secretary does not act within the 180-day period.
(3) The Secretary shall submit any part of a program related to flight procedures referred to in subsection (a)(2)(D) of this section to the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration. The Administrator shall approve or disapprove that part of the program.
(4) The Secretary shall not approve in fiscal years 2004 through 2007 a program submitted under subsection (a) if the program requires the expenditure of funds made available under section 48103 for mitigation of aircraft noise less than 65 DNL.
(c) Grants.—(1) The Secretary may incur obligations to make grants from amounts available under section 48103 of this title to carry out a project under a part of a noise compatibility program approved under subsection (b) of this section. A grant may be made to—
(A) an airport operator submitting the program; and
(B) a unit of local government in the area surrounding the airport, if the Secretary decides the unit is able to carry out the project.
(2) Soundproofing and acquisition of certain residential buildings and properties.—The Secretary may incur obligations to make grants from amounts made available under section 48103 of this title—
(A) for projects to soundproof residential buildings—
(i) if the airport operator received approval for a grant for a project to soundproof residential buildings pursuant to section 301(d)(4)(B) of the Airport and Airway Safety and Capacity Expansion Act of 1987;
(ii) if the airport operator submits updated noise exposure contours, as required by the Secretary; and
(iii) if the Secretary determines that the proposed projects are compatible with the purposes of this chapter;
(B) to an airport operator and unit of local government referred to in paragraph (1)(A) or (1)(B) of this subsection to soundproof residential buildings located on residential properties, and to acquire residential properties, at which noise levels are not compatible with normal operations of an airport—
(i) if the airport operator amended an existing local aircraft noise regulation during calendar year 1993 to increase the maximum permitted noise levels for scheduled air carrier aircraft as a direct result of implementation of revised aircraft noise departure procedures mandated for aircraft safety purposes by the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration for standardized application at airports served by scheduled air carriers;
(ii) if the airport operator submits updated noise exposure contours, as required by the Secretary; and
(iii) if the Secretary determines that the proposed projects are compatible with the purposes of this chapter;
(C) to an airport operator and unit of local government referred to in paragraph (1)(A) or (1)(B) of this subsection to carry out any part of a program developed before February 18, 1980, or before implementing regulations were prescribed, if the Secretary decides the program is substantially consistent with reducing existing noncompatible uses and preventing the introduction of additional noncompatible uses and the purposes of this chapter will be furthered by promptly carrying out the program;
(D) to an airport operator and unit of local government referred to in paragraph (1)(A) or (1)(B) of this subsection to soundproof a building in the noise impact area surrounding the airport that is used primarily for educational or medical purposes and that the Secretary decides is adversely affected by airport noise;
(E) to an airport operator of a congested airport (as defined in section 47175) and a unit of local government referred to in paragraph (1)(B) of this subsection to carry out a project to mitigate noise in the area surrounding the airport if the project is included as a commitment in a record of decision of the Federal Aviation Administration for an airport capacity enhancement project (as defined in section 47175) even if that airport has not met the requirements of part 150 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations; and
(F) to an airport operator of a congested airport (as defined in section 47175) and a unit of local government referred to in paragraph (1)(B) to carry out a project to mitigate noise, if the project—
(i) consists of—
(I) replacement windows, doors, and the installation of through-the-wall air conditioning units; or
(II) a contribution of the equivalent costs to be used for reconstruction if reconstruction is the preferred local solution;
(ii) is located at a school near the airport; and
(iii) is included in a memorandum of agreement entered into before September 30, 2002, even if the airport has not met the requirements of part 150 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, and only if the financial limitations of the memorandum are applied.
(3) An airport operator may agree to make a grant made under paragraph (1)(A) of this subsection available to a public agency in the area surrounding the airport if the Secretary decides the agency is able to carry out the project.
(4) The Government's share of a project for which a grant is made under this subsection is the greater of—
(A) 80 percent of the cost of the project; or
(B) the Government's share that would apply if the amounts available for the project were made available under subchapter I of chapter 471 of this title for a project at the airport.
(5) The provisions of subchapter I of chapter 471 of this title related to grants apply to a grant made under this chapter, except—
(A) section 47109(a) and (b) of this title; and
(B) any provision that the Secretary decides is inconsistent with, or unnecessary to carry out, this chapter.
(6) Aircraft noise primarily caused by military aircraft.—The Secretary may make a grant under this subsection for a project even if the purpose of the project is to mitigate the effect of noise primarily caused by military aircraft at an airport.
(d) Government Relief From Liability.—The Government is not liable for damages from aviation noise because of action taken under this section.
(e) Grants for Assessment of Flight Procedures.—
(1) In general.—In accordance with subsection (c)(1), the Secretary may make a grant to an airport operator to assist in completing environmental review and assessment activities for proposals to implement flight procedures at such airport that have been approved as part of an airport noise compatibility program under subsection (b).
(2) Additional staff.—The Administrator may accept funds from an airport operator, including funds provided to the operator under paragraph (1), to hire additional staff or obtain the services of consultants in order to facilitate the timely processing, review, and completion of environmental activities associated with proposals to implement flight procedures at such airport that have been approved as part of an airport noise compatibility program under subsection (b).
(3) Receipts credited as offsetting collections.—Notwithstanding section 3302 of title 31, any funds accepted under this section—
(A) shall be credited as offsetting collections to the account that finances the activities and services for which the funds are accepted;
(B) shall be available for expenditure only to pay the costs of activities and services for which the funds are accepted; and
(C) shall remain available until expended.
(f) Determination of Fair Market Value of Residential Properties.—In approving a project to acquire residential real property using financial assistance made available under this section or chapter 471, the Secretary shall ensure that the appraisal of the property to be acquired disregards any decrease or increase in the fair market value of the real property caused by the project for which the property is to be acquired, or by the likelihood that the property would be acquired for the project, other than that due to physical deterioration within the reasonable control of the owner.
(Pub. L. 103–272, §1(e), July 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 1285; Pub. L. 103–305, title I, §119, Aug. 23, 1994, 108 Stat. 1580; Pub. L. 103–429, §6(71), Oct. 31, 1994, 108 Stat. 4387; Pub. L. 106–181, title I, §154, Apr. 5, 2000, 114 Stat. 88; Pub. L. 108–176, title I, §189, title III, §306, Dec. 12, 2003, 117 Stat. 2519, 2539; Pub. L. 112–95, title V, §§504, 505, Feb. 14, 2012, 126 Stat. 104; Pub. L. 115–232, div. A, title X, §1044, Aug. 13, 2018, 132 Stat. 1958.)
Historical and Revision Notes
Pub. L. 103–272
| Revised Section | Source (U.S. Code) | Source (Statutes at Large) |
|---|
| 47504(a) |
49 App.:2104(a). |
Feb. 18, 1980, Pub. L. 96–193, §104(a), 94 Stat. 51; Dec. 30, 1987, Pub. L. 100–223, §301(a), 101 Stat. 1523. |
| 47504(b) |
49 App.:2104(b). |
Feb. 18, 1980, Pub. L. 96–193, §104(b), (d), 94 Stat. 52, 53. |
| 47504(c) |
49 App.:2104(c). |
Feb. 18, 1980, Pub. L. 96–193, §104(c), 94 Stat. 52; Sept. 3, 1982, Pub. L. 97–248, §524(b)(4), 96 Stat. 696; Dec. 30, 1987, Pub. L. 100–223, §301(b), (c), 101 Stat. 1523; Oct. 28, 1991, Pub. L. 102–143, §336, 105 Stat. 947. |
| 47504(d) |
49 App.:2104(d). |
|
In subsection (a)(1)(A), the words "the officials of" are omitted as surplus. The words "planning authorities" are substituted for "planning agencies" for consistency.
In subsection (a)(2)(A), the word "establishing" is substituted for "the implementation of" for consistency.
In subsection (a)(2)(B), the words "the implementation of" are omitted as surplus.
In subsection (b)(1), before clause (A), the words "to him" and "the measures to be undertaken in carrying out" are omitted as surplus. In clause (B), the word "achieving" is substituted for "obtaining" for clarity. The word "existing" is omitted as surplus.
Subsection (b)(2) is substituted for 49 App.:2104(b) (3d sentence) to eliminate unnecessary words.
In subsection (c)(1)(B) and (2), the words "for which grant applications are made in accordance with such noise compatibility programs" are omitted as surplus.
In subsection (c)(1), before clause (A), the words "incur obligations to" and "further . . . under this section" are omitted as surplus. In clause (C), the words "to carry out any part of a program" are substituted for "any project to carry out a noise compatibility program", and the words "or before implementing regulations were prescribed" are substituted for "or the promulgation of its implementing regulations", for clarity and consistency. The words "the purposes of" before "reducing" are omitted as surplus. The word "noncompatible" is added after "existing" for clarity and consistency. In clause (D), the words "for any project" and "determined to be" are omitted as surplus.
In subsection (c)(2), the words "in turn" are omitted as surplus.
In subsection (c)(4), before clause (A), the words "All of" and "made under section 505 of that Act" are omitted as surplus. The word "except" is substituted for "unless" for clarity. In clause (1), the words "relating to United States share of project costs" are omitted as surplus. In clause (2), the words "the purposes of" are omitted as surplus.
In subsection (d), the words "by the Secretary or the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration" are omitted as surplus.
Pub. L. 103–429
This redesignates 49:47504(c)(1)(C) and (D) as 49:47504(c)(2)(C) and (D) because the subject matter is similar to that of 49:47504(c)(2)(A) and (B) that was added by section 119(2) of the Federal Aviation Administration Authorization Act of 1994 (Public Law 103–305, 108 Stat. 1580).
Editorial Notes
References in Text
Section 301(d)(4)(B) of the Airport and Airway Safety and Capacity Expansion Act of 1987, referred to in subsec. (c)(2)(A)(i), is section 301(d)(4)(B) of Pub. L. 100–223, which was set out as a note under section 2104 of former Title 49, Transportation, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 103–272, §7(b), July 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 1379.
Amendments
2018—Subsec. (c)(2)(F). Pub. L. 115–232 added subpar. (F).
2012—Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 112–95, §504, added subsec. (e).
Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 112–95, §505, added subsec. (f).
2003—Subsec. (b)(4). Pub. L. 108–176, §189, added par. (4).
Subsec. (c)(2)(C)–(E). Pub. L. 108–176, §306, realigned margins of subpars. (C) and (D) and added subpar. (E).
2000—Subsec. (c)(6). Pub. L. 106–181 added par. (6).
1994—Subsec. (c)(1)(A). Pub. L. 103–429, §6(71)(A), inserted "and" after semicolon at end.
Subsec. (c)(1)(B). Pub. L. 103–429, §6(71)(B), substituted a period for semicolon at end.
Subsec. (c)(1)(C), (D). Pub. L. 103–429, §6(71)(C), redesignated par. (1)(C) as (2)(C) and (1)(D) as (2)(D).
Subsec. (c)(2). Pub. L. 103–305, §119(2), added par. (2). Former par. (2) redesignated (3).
Subsec. (c)(2)(A)(iii). Pub. L. 103–429, §6(71)(D), struck out "and" after semicolon at end.
Subsec. (c)(2)(B)(iii). Pub. L. 103–429, §6(71)(E), substituted a semicolon for period at end.
Subsec. (c)(2)(C), (D). Pub. L. 103–429, §6(71)(F), substituted "to an airport operator and unit of local government referred to in paragraph (1)(A) or (1)(B) of this subsection" for "an airport operator or unit of local government referred to in clause (A) or (B) of this paragraph".
Pub. L. 103–429, §6(71)(C), redesignated par. (1)(C) as (2)(C) and (1)(D) as (2)(D).
Subsec. (c)(3). Pub. L. 103–305, §119(1), redesignated par. (2) as (3). Former par. (3) redesignated (4).
Subsec. (c)(4). Pub. L. 103–305, §119(3), struck out "paragraph (1) of" before "this subsection" in introductory provisions.
Pub. L. 103–305, §119(1), redesignated par. (3) as (4). Former par. (4) redesignated (5).
Subsec. (c)(5). Pub. L. 103–305, §119(1), redesignated par. (4) as (5).
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date of 2003 Amendment
Amendment by Pub. L. 108–176 applicable only to fiscal years beginning after Sept. 30, 2003, except as otherwise specifically provided, see section 3 of Pub. L. 108–176, set out as a note under section 106 of this title.
Effective Date of 2000 Amendment
Amendment by Pub. L. 106–181 applicable only to fiscal years beginning after Sept. 30, 1999, see section 3 of Pub. L. 106–181, set out as a note under section 106 of this title.
§47505. Airport noise compatibility planning grants
(a) General Authority.—The Secretary of Transportation may make a grant to a sponsor of an airport to develop, for planning purposes, information necessary to prepare and submit—
(1) a noise exposure map and related information under section 47503 of this title, including the cost of obtaining the information; or
(2) a noise compatibility program under section 47504 of this title.
(b) Availability of Amounts and Government's Share of Costs.—A grant under subsection (a) of this section may be made from amounts available under section 48103 of this title. The United States Government's share of the grant is the percent for which a project for airport development at an airport would be eligible under section 47109(a) and (b) of this title.
(Pub. L. 103–272, §1(e), July 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 1286.)
In subsection (a), before clause (1), the words "incur obligations to" are omitted as surplus.
§47506. Limitations on recovering damages for noise
(a) General Limitations.—A person acquiring an interest in property after February 18, 1980, in an area surrounding an airport for which a noise exposure map has been submitted under section 47503 of this title and having actual or constructive knowledge of the existence of the map may recover damages for noise attributable to the airport only if, in addition to any other elements for recovery of damages, the person shows that—
(1) after acquiring the interest, there was a significant—
(A) change in the type or frequency of aircraft operations at the airport;
(B) change in the airport layout;
(C) change in flight patterns; or
(D) increase in nighttime operations; and
(2) the damages resulted from the change or increase.
(b) Constructive Knowledge.—Constructive knowledge of the existence of a map under subsection (a) of this section shall be imputed, at a minimum, to a person if—
(1) before the person acquired the interest, notice of the existence of the map was published at least 3 times in a newspaper of general circulation in the county in which the property is located; or
(2) the person is given a copy of the map when acquiring the interest.
(Pub. L. 103–272, §1(e), July 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 1286.)
In subsection (a)(2), the words "for which recovery is sought have" are omitted as surplus.
§47507. Nonadmissibility of noise exposure map and related information as evidence
No part of a noise exposure map or related information described in section 47503 of this title that is submitted to, or prepared by, the Secretary of Transportation and no part of a list of land uses the Secretary identifies as normally compatible with various exposures of individuals to noise may be admitted into evidence or used for any other purpose in a civil action asking for relief for noise resulting from the operation of an airport.
(Pub. L. 103–272, §1(e), July 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 1287.)
The words "land uses which are" are omitted as surplus. The words "civil action" are substituted for "suit or action" for consistency in the revised title and with other titles of the United States Code. The words "damages or other" are omitted as surplus.
§47508. Noise standards for air carriers and foreign air carriers providing foreign air transportation
(a) General Requirements.—The Secretary of Transportation shall require each air carrier and foreign air carrier providing foreign air transportation to comply with noise standards—
(1) the Secretary prescribed for new subsonic aircraft in regulations of the Secretary in effect on January 1, 1977; or
(2) of the International Civil Aviation Organization that are substantially compatible with standards of the Secretary for new subsonic aircraft in regulations of the Secretary at parts 36 and 91 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, prescribed between January 2, 1977, and January 1, 1982.
(b) Compliance at Phased Rate.—The Secretary shall require each air carrier and foreign air carrier providing foreign air transportation to comply with the noise standards at a phased rate similar to the rate for aircraft registered in the United States.
(c) Nondiscrimination.—The requirement for air carriers providing foreign air transportation may not be more stringent than the requirement for foreign air carriers.
(Pub. L. 103–272, §1(e), July 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 1287.)
Historical and Revision Notes
| Revised Section | Source (U.S. Code) | Source (Statutes at Large) |
|---|
| 47508(a) |
49 App.:2122(a) (1st sentence words before last comma, last sentence). |
Feb. 18, 1980, Pub. L. 96–193, §302(a), 94 Stat. 56. |
| 47508(b) |
49 App.:2122(a) (1st sentence words after last comma). |
|
| 47508(c) |
49 App.:2122(a) (2d sentence). |
|
In this section, the word "providing" is substituted for "engaging in" for consistency in the revised title.
In subsection (a), the words "acting through the Administrator" and "acting through the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration (14 CFR part 36)" are omitted for consistency. Section 6(c)(1) of the Department of Transportation Act (Public Law 89–670, 80 Stat. 938) transferred all duties and powers of the Federal Aviation Agency and the Administrator to the Secretary of Transportation. However, the Secretary was to carry out certain provisions through the Administrator. In addition, various laws enacted since then have vested duties and powers in the Administrator. All provisions of law the Secretary is required to carry out through the Administrator are included in 49:106(g). Before clause (1), the words "If, by January 1, 1980, the International Civil Aviation Organization (hereafter referred to as 'ICAO') does not reach an agreement" and "commence a rulemaking to" and 49 App.:2122(a) (last sentence) are omitted as executed. In clause (1), the words "as such regulations were" are omitted as surplus. In clause (2), the words "on noise standards and an international schedule" and "(annex 16)" are omitted as surplus. The words "of the Secretary for new subsonic aircraft in regulations of the Secretary at parts 36 and 91 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, prescribed between January 2, 1977, and January 1, 1982" are substituted for "set forth in such regulations issued by the Secretary (14 CFR parts 36 and 91) during the 5-year period thereafter" for clarity and consistency.
In subsection (b), the words "in effect" are omitted as surplus.
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Implementation of Chapter 4 Noise Standards
Pub. L. 108–176, title III, §325, Dec. 12, 2003, 117 Stat. 2542, provided that: "Not later than April 1, 2005, the Secretary of Transportation shall issue final regulations to implement Chapter 4 noise standards, consistent with the recommendations adopted by the International Civil Aviation Organization."
Standards for Aircraft and Aircraft Engines To Reduce Noise Levels
Pub. L. 106–181, title VII, §726, Apr. 5, 2000, 114 Stat. 167, as amended by Pub. L. 113–188, title XV, §1501(f), Nov. 26, 2014, 128 Stat. 2025, provided that:
"(a) Development of New Standards.—The Secretary [of Transportation] shall continue to work to develop through the International Civil Aviation Organization new performance standards for aircraft and aircraft engines that will lead to a further reduction in aircraft noise levels.
"(b) Goals To Be Considered in Developing New Standards.—In negotiating standards under subsection (a), the Secretary shall give high priority to developing standards that—
"(1) are performance based and can be achieved by use of a full range of certifiable noise reduction technologies;
"(2) protect the useful economic value of existing Stage 3 aircraft in the United States fleet;
"(3) ensure that United States air carriers and aircraft engine and hushkit manufacturers are not competitively disadvantaged;
"(4) use dynamic economic modeling capable of determining impacts on all aircraft in service in the United States fleet; and
"(5) continue the use of a balanced approach to address aircraft environmental issues, taking into account aircraft technology, land use planning, economic feasibility, and airspace operational improvements."
Aircraft Noise Research Program
Pub. L. 102–581, title III, §304, Oct. 31, 1992, 106 Stat. 4896, as amended by Pub. L. 109–155, title VII, §706(b), Dec. 30, 2005, 119 Stat. 2937, provided that:
"(a) Establishment.—The Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration and the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration shall jointly conduct a research program to develop new technologies for quieter subsonic jet aircraft engines and airframes.
"(b) Goal.—The goal of the research program established by subsection (a) is to develop by the year 2010 technologies for subsonic jet aircraft engines and airframes which would permit a subsonic jet aircraft to operate at reduced noise levels.
"(c) Participation.—In carrying out the program established by subsection (a), the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration and the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration shall encourage the participation of representatives of the aviation industry and academia.
"(d) Report to Congress.—The Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration and the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration shall jointly submit to Congress, on an annual basis during the term of the program established by subsection (a), a report on the progress being made under the program toward meeting the goal described in subsection (b)."
§47509. Research program on quiet aircraft technology for propeller and rotor driven aircraft
(a) Establishment.—The Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration and the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration shall conduct a study to identify technologies for noise reduction of propeller driven aircraft and rotorcraft.
(b) Goal.—The goal of the study conducted under subsection (a) is to determine the status of research and development now underway in the area of quiet technology for propeller driven aircraft and rotorcraft, including technology that is cost beneficial, and to determine whether a research program to supplement existing research activities is necessary.
(c) Participation.—In conducting the study required under subsection (a), the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration and the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration shall encourage the participation of the Department of Defense, the Department of the Interior, the airtour industry, the aviation industry, academia and other appropriate groups.
(d) Report.—Not less than 280 days after August 23, 1994, the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration and the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration shall transmit to Congress a report on the results of the study required under subsection (a).
(e) Research and Development Program.—If the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration and the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration determine that additional research and development is necessary and would substantially contribute to the development of quiet aircraft technology, then the agencies shall conduct an appropriate research program in consultation with the entities listed in subsection (c) to develop safe, effective, and economical noise reduction technology (including technology that can be applied to existing propeller driven aircraft and rotorcraft) that would result in aircraft that operate at substantially reduced levels of noise to reduce the impact of such aircraft and rotorcraft on the resources of national parks and other areas.
(Added Pub. L. 103–305, title III, §308(a), Aug. 23, 1994, 108 Stat. 1593; amended Pub. L. 104–287, §5(86), Oct. 11, 1996, 110 Stat. 3398.)
Editorial Notes
Amendments
1996—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 104–287 substituted "August 23, 1994" for "the date of the enactment of this section".
§47510. Tradeoff allowance
Notwithstanding another law or a regulation prescribed or order issued under that law, the tradeoff provisions contained in appendix C of part 36 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, apply in deciding whether an aircraft complies with subpart I of part 91 of title 14.
(Added Pub. L. 103–429, §6(72)(A), Oct. 31, 1994, 108 Stat. 4387.)
The word "prescribed" is added for consistency in the revised title and with other titles of the United States Code. The words "subpart I of part 91" are substituted for "subpart E of part 91" because of the restatement of part 91. See 54 Fed. Reg. 34321 (Aug. 18, 1989).
§47511. CLEEN engine and airframe technology partnership
(a) In General.—The Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration shall enter into a cost-sharing cooperative agreement, using a competitive process, with institutions, entities, or consortiums to carry out a program for the development, maturation, and testing of certifiable CLEEN aircraft, engine technologies, and jet fuels for civil airplanes.
(b) CLEEN Engine and Airframe Technology Defined.—In this section, the term "CLEEN aircraft and engine technology" means continuous lower energy, emissions, and noise aircraft and engine technology.
(c) Performance Objective.—The Administrator shall establish the performance objectives for the program in terms of the specific objectives to reduce fuel burn, emissions and noise.
(d) Selection.—In carrying out the program, the Administrator may provide that not less than 2 of the cooperative agreements entered into under this section involve the participation of an entity that is a small business concern (as defined in section 3 of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 632)), provided that the submitted technology proposal of the entity meets, at a minimum, FAA Acquisition Management System requirements and requisite technology readiness levels for entry into the agreement, as determined by the Administrator.
(Added Pub. L. 115–254, div. B, title VII, §743(a), Oct. 5, 2018, 132 Stat. 3413; amended Pub. L. 118–63, title X, §1008, May 16, 2024, 138 Stat. 1389.)
Editorial Notes
Amendments
2024—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 118–63, §1008(1), struck out "subsonic" after "fuels for civil".
Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 118–63, §1008(2), added subsec. (d).