Hi All,

I wrote Rep. Raskin's office for info/guidance on the loud helicopter flyovers and the status of a study that was due to produce a report a while back.  I received the following helpful information and thought I would share with everyone.

Kevin.

Dear Kevin,

Good afternoon. Thank you for contacting the office of Representative Jamie Raskin.  Helping constituents is our priority and I appreciate the opportunity to assist you. 

I read your note about the problem of the helicopter noise you are dealing with. You mentioned, “I just had a particularly loud triple flyover and it is really unnecessary for them to fly so low and so loudly over residential neighborhoods, it is disturbing my entire family’s sleep.” I am sorry you are having such a difficult time.

In your note you asked about the status of the GAO study on local helicopter noise. Your question is very timely! On May 15, 2020 the GAO signed a formal commitment letter for the study. In the letter, they indicated that they anticipate a draft report by November 2020.

You also asked about where to report loud flyovers. Some guidance is provided at the FAA’s website:https://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/headquarters_offices/apl/noise_emissions/airport_aircraft_noise_issues/noise/#hn

There, they recommend:

Military Aircraft Noise

The FAA does not have the authority to regulate the operations of military aircraft. If you live near a military installation, you should try contacting their noise office or community relations department for more information on their operations in your community.

Helicopter Noise

• Helicopters generally fly under visual flight rules (VFR), where they are not under the control of Air Traffic Control (ATC) resulting in ATC not controlling where the helicopter flies.
• While some metropolitan areas have defined helicopter routes, many are voluntary and helicopter pilots can deviate from those routes.
• You should contact the helicopter operator directly for information regarding the helicopter operations you are experiencing.
• If you believe the helicopters were flying unsafely, then this is an issue for your local FAA Flight Standards District Office (FSDO).

Guidance from  the FAA Flight Standards District Offices (FSDO), is below:

Contact a FSDO for

• Low-flying aircraft
• Accident Reporting
• Air carrier certification and operations
• Aircraft maintenance
• Aircraft operational issues
• Aircraft permits
• Airmen certification (licensing) for pilots, mechanics, repairmen, dispatchers, and parachute riggers
• Certification and modification issues
• Enforcement of Airmen & Aircraft Regulations
• Illegal Air Charter

Contact for the Maryland FSDO is below: