Are there any requirements for noise reduction and weight?
Yes, there are noise and weight requirements. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has a four stage system that sets noise levels that newly manufactured aircraft have to meet when certified by the FAA. Airplanes are categorized as Stage 1, Stage 2, and Stage 3, with Stage 1 being the loudest and Stage 3 the quietest. On January 1, 2006, the FAA established a new Stage 4 classification for new, quieter aircraft seeking FAA certification. The State of Georgia does not have any aircraft noise or weight regulations. The only regulation that DeKalb County currently recognizes is in the Code of DeKalb County Georgia Sec. 6-93 Dirigibles, blimps, gliders, etc. states, Prior authorization is required before airships, dirigibles, blimps, gliders, free balloons, motorless aircraft or aircraft with a total gross weight in excess of seventy-five thousand (75,000) pounds land or take off at the airport. (Code 1976, ยง 6-4077).
