Drone Noise, Local Action, and Federal Power
Presentation Type
None
In Person or Zoom Presentation
In-Person
Location
Student Union Event Center
Start Date
17-11-2025 3:20 PM
End Date
17-11-2025 3:35 PM
Presentation Description/Abstract
Drones make noise. Of course, drone noise is quite different from traditional aircraft noise. But increasingly residents in neighborhoods across the country are taking notice of the high-pitched buzzing sounds drones emit as they deliver packages and are flown recreationally. While not all are bothered by the buzzing, to some, drone noise is annoying and concerning.
What to do? Noise is an area traditionally left to state and local government control. And given the extent to which perspectives diverge on just how problematic drone noise is, one may reasonably think its regulation should fall to the states or, perhaps better yet, local authorities. But how does this approach fit in with the federal government's well-established authority to regulate aircraft noise and drone operations in general? Based on an article published in the Journal of Air Law and Commerce in 2024, this presentation explores this preemption question and challenges associated with drone noise regulation. Many issues raised by civilian drone operations are overshadowed by debates about the extent of federal preemption. Noise is no exception. This presentation shows that on the noise issue, the Supreme Court and lower courts' precedent favor regulation at the federal level.
Drone Noise, Local Action, and Federal Power
Student Union Event Center
Drones make noise. Of course, drone noise is quite different from traditional aircraft noise. But increasingly residents in neighborhoods across the country are taking notice of the high-pitched buzzing sounds drones emit as they deliver packages and are flown recreationally. While not all are bothered by the buzzing, to some, drone noise is annoying and concerning.
What to do? Noise is an area traditionally left to state and local government control. And given the extent to which perspectives diverge on just how problematic drone noise is, one may reasonably think its regulation should fall to the states or, perhaps better yet, local authorities. But how does this approach fit in with the federal government's well-established authority to regulate aircraft noise and drone operations in general? Based on an article published in the Journal of Air Law and Commerce in 2024, this presentation explores this preemption question and challenges associated with drone noise regulation. Many issues raised by civilian drone operations are overshadowed by debates about the extent of federal preemption. Noise is no exception. This presentation shows that on the noise issue, the Supreme Court and lower courts' precedent favor regulation at the federal level.