Community Relations

The national air transportation exists today primarily through Federal legislation, and every facet is governed by Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations. The FAA exercises control of aircraft noise through noise emission standards, air traffic control, pilot and flight regulations, and noise compatibility studies. More information is available on the FAA website.

State regulation of aircraft in flight is preempted by federal law; however, state regulations do affect disclosure of aircraft flight paths and noise. Arizona Revised Statute 28-8486 Public Airport Disclosure requires the recording of public airport disclosure maps. The maps provide information to prospective homebuyers, as well as current homeowners.

MGAA is responsible for promoting noise abatement procedures and ensuring compatible land development through zoning and stipulations within the Airport Influence Area. Airports cannot govern aircraft while they’re in the air, but we serve as the local point of contact for noise concerns. While not required to, we track noise complaints to facilitate dialogue with our community.

Aircraft operators are responsible for operating their aircraft safely, while in compliance with Federal Aviation Regulations governing flight and Air Traffic Control instructions. The national and local pilot associations actively encourage their members to exercise noise abatement procedures whenever possible.

Current and prospective residents in areas surrounding or near airports should seek to understand aircraft noise and steps that can be taken to minimize its effects. Prospective home buyers should research the location of airports and flight paths, then make an informed decision before purchasing a home. Recognizing airports tend to increase in activity as more people move to the area (as freeways and surface streets increase in traffic over time, so do most airports), prospective area residents should acknowledge that flight paths can change and become busier over time.

LAANC automates the application and approval process for airspace authorizations. Through automated applications developed by an FAA Approved UAS Service Suppliers (USS), pilots apply for an airspace authorization. This process is completed using your UAS Service Suppliers application or web page.

Requests are checked against multiple airspace data sources in the FAA UAS Data Exchange such as UAS Facility Maps, Special Use Airspace data, Airports and Airspace Classes, as well as Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) and Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs). If approved, pilots can receive their authorization in near-real time.

Unless specifically requested in an authorization, drone pilots do not need to notify the tower before they fly.

LAANC provides airspace authorizations only. Pilots must still check NOTAMs, weather conditions, and abide by all airspace restrictions.

If your automated process was denied, it may be due to the requested altitude and/or location of requested operation. You may use the manual process by going to the FAA’s website and completing the required fields. The manual process may take up to 45 days to receive approval and may require specific communication requirements to Air Traffic Control.