October 03, 2014
We’ve received a number of complaints recently about low-flying aircraft in various parts of the county. Local law enforcement has limited authority in aviation matters, especially with aircraft in flight. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is the government agency responsible for aviation safety and citizens can make a complaint to them about low-flying aircraft.
How low is too low? Here’s what federal regulations for pilots say:
- Minimum of 1,000 feet over the highest obstacle in the congested area of a city, town, or settlement, or over any open air assembly of persons
- Minimum of 500 feet above the surface in uncongested areas and no closer than 500 feet to any person or structure
- Helicopters may be operated at less than the minimums above, which apply to fixed-wing aircraft
- No pilot may operate an aircraft in aerobatic flight over any congested area of a city, town, or settlement; or below an altitude of 1,500 feet above the surface.
Why are helicopters different? The unique characteristics of helicopters give them the ability to make pinpoint landings even during an emergency. Law enforcement and medical helicopters must routinely operate at low altitudes. Power companies are another example – they use very low-flying helicopters to inspect power lines.
What should I do? The FAA will need some facts:
- Can you identify the aircraft? The color of the aircraft will not be enough – try to catch the registration number on the fuselage. On U.S. registered aircraft, that number starts with a capital “N”.
- How high was the aircraft flying? On what are you basing your estimate? Was the aircraft level with or below the elevation of a prominent object? If you can take a picture, that will help.
How do I contact the FAA?
You can contact the FAA’s Cincinnati Flight Standards District Office at:
Phone: (513) 842-9600
Fax: (513) 842-9620
https://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/field_offices/fsdo/cvg/contact/
- Source: http://www.butlersheriff.org
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