Noise complaints must be addressed to the management of the airport where an aircraft is either landing or taking off.
Noise issues are best handled at this level. Local representatives and airport-based staff have intimate knowledge of regional matters and are better able to address local concerns.
Background: Managing Aircraft Noise and Noise Complaints
Airports should establish a locally based airport noise management program to deal with aircraft noise and complaints from adjacent communities. Airports should also have a noise management committee comprised of air operators, airport tenants, as well as civic and citizen representatives. At major airports, Transport Canada also provides a representative to the committee.
This committee develops the airport’s noise management program and, as such, proposes any necessary additional noise abatement procedures or operating restrictions to Transport Canada. Before the committee does this, it has to consult with the local community and with aviation stakeholders. This process is extensive and transparent. It also balances sometimes differing perspectives.
After this process, the committee finalizes the proposal and sends it to the Transport Canada for review by the Aircraft Noise and Emissions Committee. If all parties agree with the proposal, Transport Canada publishes the measure in a publication for pilots. If a party disagrees, the Aircraft Noise and Emissions Committee recommends a way forward to the Civil Aviation Regulatory Committee, which renders a decision.
As such, although these matters are handled locally, Transport Canada is involved before implementation to ensure the process is fair and balanced. The department does not intervene outside this process.