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1. Isn’t it true that big aircraft mean big noise?

It used to be true that the bigger the aircraft the louder the noise. However, all aircraft weighing more than 75,000 pounds must now be Stage 3 compliant. Consequently, the bigger, newer aircraft are quietest during takeoffs and landings. Today, smaller, lighter and older aircraft are usually the noisiest.

2. Why can't airplanes taking off climb higher and fly farther south before turning over my neighborhood?

Planes generally follow a traffic pattern that is set into place by the FAA. If they flew farther south, they would run into airspace that is used and controlled by D/FW Airport.

3. What has the City of McKinney done to reduce aircraft noise?

A Part 150 Noise Study was voluntarily completed in 2004 to raise awareness about aircraft noise. The study found that the Noise Exposure Maps submitted are in compliance with applicable requirements. More information

4. Who do I call with noise complaints?

Call the Dallas Flight Standards District Office (FAA) at 214-277-8500 to report aircraft you believe may be violating Federal Regulations.

Call the Airport Noise Hotline at 972-547-7399. The hotline was developed so local residents could report aircraft causing a disturbance. Only the FAA has the authority to enforce regulations, but the airport may be able to communicate with pilots to further promote noise awareness.

5. What determines the direction aircraft take off and land?

For performance and safety reasons, pilots take off and land into the wind if possible. Often, winds at the airport are different than in local neighborhoods. Also, the airport’s precision instrument approach brings airplanes in for landing to the south. When this approach is being used, aircraft take off to the south to maintain a unidirectional traffic flow.

6. Why has air traffic over my house increased / decreased?

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) through the Air Traffic Control Tower at the airport controls aircraft movement on the ground and in the airspace over and around the airport. The FAA has not changed any flight patterns into or out of the airport without airport knowledge, except to work with the airport to direct aircraft over the busiest roads, the Interstates and railroad tracks. Flight patterns sometimes change temporarily due to bad weather or wind conditions.

7. Why wasn't I told I lived next to an airport when I moved in?

Collin County sellers or realtors are not required to tell to a buyer that they are near an airport. The responsibility for finding out lies with the buyer.

8. Who can do something about low-flying planes & helicopters?

The FAA's Flight Standards District Office or FSDO investigates low-flying aircraft and aircraft reported to be flying unsafely. Call 214-277-8500 to report such activities. McKinney National Airport has no jurisdiction over aircraft in flight or their altitudes.

9. What is “aircraft noise”?

Aircraft noise occurs when high-pressure jet exhaust mixes with the cooler air outside the engine, and is most apparent during jet takeoffs and landings. Weather, storms, routes and airspace, emergencies and weight can increase noise levels.

10. Why do planes fly over my house?

There are several airports in metro area besides McKinney National Airport. These include D/FW International, Love Field and other General Aviation Airports. Air traffic occurs over all areas, but low-flying aircraft occur more often closer to an airport. DFW TRACON controls airspace in the area.