Aircraft noise is an inevitable by-product of aircraft operations. In Australia there are a range of legislative and other controls to manage the impact of aircraft noise.
The following provide information on the department’s work in this area
Aircraft Noise Complaints
Civilian Aircraft
Airservices Australia (Airservices), via its Noise Complaint and Information Service (NCIS), handles complaints and enquiries about noise from most civilian aircraft operations, including private and commercial aeroplanes and helicopters (excluding drones).
If there are specific flights or noise concerns you would like to discuss, these can be raised with the NCIS:
- by phone on 1800 802 584 (freecall); or
- via the Airservices Australia website.
Flight activity can be viewed without cost through Airservices’ WebTrak tool. Webtrak allows users to track flight activity at major Australian airports, along with information about each aircraft. Historical trends and traffic patterns are also available.
Airservices is also responsible for flight path design and airspace management.
- Information on flight paths and rules in your area can be found on the Aircraft in your Neighbourhood website.
Defence Aircraft
Defence aircrews operate military aircraft in ways that minimise noise when flying over populated areas. Further information in relation to how the Department of Defence manages aircraft noise in connection with military operations is available via the Defence Aircraft Noise website.
Drones
In Australia, all remotely piloted aircraft and drones must abide by the Air Navigation (Aircraft Noise) Regulations 2018. Drone operators undertaking complex or large operations may need to undergo a more detailed assessment before obtaining a noise approval. Visit www.drones.gov.au/drone-noise-approval for more information.
If you have noise concerns about drones operating in your area, visit www.drones.gov.au/community/noise to find information about Australia’s drone noise regulations, or Have your say | Drones to lodge a drone noise complaint.
Further information can also be obtained from: