Arizona Aviation Lawyer

Airplanes And Airports In Our Neighborhood

You may be a pilot or a neighbor that lives near one of the municipal airports such as Falcon Field, Gateway or Chandler. Aircraft owners and pilots want to preserve their rights to be able to fly out of these airports without limitations from the neighboring communities. Neighbors want peace and quiet.

Those in the flight path of these airports are concerned about noise and safety. At Falcon Field there is a very busy airline training school called Sabena which caters primarily to foreign pilots from India, Pakistan and other Middle Eastern countries that have come here for the favorable flying conditions.

Most municipal airports are controlled airports; meaning that there is ATC (air traffic control) that operate the airport usually from approximately 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. These airports are also equipped for night landings with pilot controlled lighting so that properly licensed pilots can land at the airports 24/7. People who live near these airports sometimes complain that airplanes are flying too low or too late over their homes. Pilots are required to fly at a certain altitude called TPA which means traffic pattern altitude.

The air traffic controllers do their best to control the flow of traffic in the air and minimize the disruption. As more homes and businesses are built around these general aviation airports, complaints regarding noise abatement, flight path and low flying aircraft will continue to increase. We need a good understanding of the various stake holders, whether it be business, the airport, the city, the pilot, the flight school, or the FAA.

Our firm practices in aviation law and represents pilots who encounter difficulties with the NTSB or FAA, whether it be certificate revocation or suspension cases. We also represent homeowners and businesses that feel that they are impacted negatively by the general aviation community. We also represent victims of aviation accidents.

General aviation will continue to be very popular in Arizona because of the flying conditions. Housing growth, population and businesses will continue to expand. Educate yourself as best you can and if you have concerns give us a call. Next time you look overhead and see one of those noisy little airplanes, realize that they feel they have a right to be there just as much as you feel you have a right to the quiet peace and enjoyment of your home. Somehow we must be able to co-exist. Falcon Field, Mesa Gateway and Chandler Regional are becoming three of the busiest general aviation airports in the United States. No matter which side of the debate you are on, your input and concerns may be valid and should be voiced.