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Noise Abatement FAQs

  • When I call noise abatement I always get the voicemail. Do they really check their messages?

    Yes, Staff checks voicemails and follows up on those voicemails.  As Staff may be on another line or temporarily out of the office, it is best to leave a message; including date, time, why you are calling, and a name and phone number or email address if you wish to be contacted by a staff member. Staff will generally respond within 48 business hours.

  • How do I make a complaint?

    Complaints can be made via Noise Lab at   https://flighttracker.casper.aero/toa/complaint/index.php?lang=en_US

    Noise Abatement staff will need the time and date of the disturbance, what kind of disturbance (loud aircraft, curfew violations, etc.), and location of the disturbance (address, hundred block or cross streets and city).  Descriptions and tail numbers of aircraft can often be obtained using the Flight Tracker on Noise Lab and are very helpful to the Noise Abatement office.  If you would like a return contact, please leave a name and phone number or email, so staff can respond. Staff will generally respond if there is a confirmed violation.  Note: if Staff does not receive full information regarding a noise event, staff may not be able to properly investigate the event. Also, Staff will not process auto-generated complaints.

  • What happens when I make a noise complaint?

    The complaint is logged by date, time, provided location, type of aircraft and type of violation, and then it is investigated by the Noise Abatement staff. Note: if Staff does not receive full information regarding a noise event, staff may not be able to properly investigate the event.

    If it is found that an aircraft is in violation, staff will log the violation and send a Notice of Violation letter to the owner/pilot of the aircraft.

    • Effective August 15, 2022, Noise Lab and the new Noise Abatement system will be operational.

  • Why does Torrance Noise Abatement refer me to the FAA when airplanes or helicopters are flying too low, over my neighborhood or recklessly?

    The Torrance Airport Noise Abatement office is responsible for monitoring noise around the airport and enforcing what is written in the Torrance Municipal Code.  The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has jurisdiction over safety concerns and airspace usage. FAA can be reached at (562) 377-5400 or Federal Aviation Administration. The Torrance Airport/Zamperini Field is under the Long Beach FSDO (Flight Standards District Office).

  • How high does an aircraft have to fly above my residential neighborhood?

    The Torrance Airport and the Noise Abatement office do not regulate altitude for aircraft; this is regulated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the FAA Control Tower. While the City of Torrance continues to work with the FAA and the Control Tower, once an aircraft leaves the airport, it is in navigable airspace and subject to federal law.  The FAA can be reached at (562) 377-5400 or Federal Aviation Administration.  The Torrance Airport/Zamperini Field is under the Long Beach FSDO (Flight Standards District Office).

  • Why is the Coast Guard Helicopter flying over my house?

    The Coast Guard may be responding to an emergency, flying routine duty flights or training.  It is best to call the Coast Guard Public Affairs at (310) 521-4260/ (310) 781-0619 After Hours.

  • I thought Jets weren't allowed at the Torrance Airport?

    The Torrance Airport does not provide Jet fuel services. However, Jet aircraft are allowed to use the airfield for take off, landings, training and storage.

  • How late can a plane land at the airport?

    Aircraft are not prohibited from landing at any time. Aircraft are still required to meet daytime and/or night time noise limits (unless the aircraft is exempted per code or there is a bona fide emergency

  • Why are Safety Aircraft (Coastguard, Police Dept., etc.) not cited for noise or curfew violations?

    Emergency/Law Enforcement aircraft, Military aircraft, aircraft owned by the United States of America or the State of California, Civil Air Patrol and aircraft conducting tests are specifically exempted by the Torrance Municipal Code (TMC 46.8.10 & 51.4.2).

  • What time can planes start taking off at the airport?

    7:00 am Monday – Friday and 8:00 am Saturday, Sunday and Holidays.  For more information check the Noise Abatement Flyer on this website or contact the Noise Abatement office at (310)784-7950 or noiseabatement@torranceca.gov .

  • Can I get an exemption for an Early Morning departure?

    Yes. Exemptions are allowed for certain circumstances.  Contact the Noise Abatement Office at (310)784-7950 or noiseabatement@torranceca.gov, for applications and information.

  • What is a Noise Test?

    Noise test are used to let new pilots know what the actual noise levels are for their aircraft when conducting operations at Torrance Airport, verifying sound levels of aircraft after maintenance or alterations and for correcting violations of the noise code.  Pilots can contact the Noise Abatement office when a test is needed and staff will work with pilots to get an aircraft into acceptable noise limits.  Please contact the Noise Abatement Office at (310)784-7950 or noiseabatement@torranceca.gov .

  • How do I get a Noise test?

    Noise tests must be pre-arranged with the Noise Abatement office prior to departure.  Noise tests can be arranged by visiting the Noise Abatement office, via telephone or noiseabatement@torranceca.gov .  Noise Abatement staff will need a tail number, type of aircraft, approximate time of departure and name and contact information for pilot, so test results can be relayed to the pilot.  Noise Test requests without complete information may not be processed and could result in a violation. Noise tests requested after a flight may not be honored and could result in a violation. Please contact the Noise Abatement office for further information at (310)784-7950 or noiseabatement@torranceca.gov .