Air Traffic Control
The Federal Aviation Administration Air Traffic Control Tower and approach control are responsible for the safe movement of aircraft both in the air and on the ground. Runway assignments, headings, altitudes and other directions to pilots are assigned only by air traffic controllers. Safety is the number one consideration of the Federal Aviation Administration. The safe operation of aircraft in the national airspace system will always supersede noise abatement procedures.

CVG Airport Management
CVG Airport staff manages the airport’s noise abatement programs. The role of the noise abatement staff is to record and investigate noise complaints, monitor flight procedures, and act as an informational resource. CVG provides community outreach, engages with local leaders, and builds awareness and understanding about the airport’s role in the community.

Residents and Prospective Residents
The residents in areas surrounding an airport should seek to understand community aircraft operations and be aware of what procedures can and cannot be taken to minimize the effect of aircraft noise. Individual and community responses to aircraft noise differ substantially and, for some individuals, a reduced level of noise may not eliminate the annoyance or irritation. Prospective residents should investigate the location of airports to determine the potential effect on their individual quality of life and make decisions accordingly.

Weather plays a major role in aircraft operations, as aircraft land and takeoff into the wind. During adverse weather conditions, the winds are often shifting. Depending on velocity, alternate flight paths may be utilized. Noise abatement staff frequently receive questions from residents who notice noise over their neighborhood only when there is adverse weather; our response usually relates to the behavior of the winds and weather pattern.

Cloud coverage also impacts noise perception. On cloudy days, noise can seem louder as it is generated from the aircraft and rebounds to the surface of the earth from the bottom of the clouds. In warm weather, aircraft climb more slowly, making operations louder on the ground. On days with high wind speed, aircraft noise can be carried to farther distances at ground level.

Looking to buy a home in the Greater Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky area and have concerns about aircraft noise? Below are some tips to help you make an informed decision.

Know the CVG Runways

• Runway 9/27 (east/west) is the longest runway at 12,000 feet and is utilized as the primary nighttime runway. This runway is original to CVG, but it has been extended in length several times over the years.
• Runway 18L/36R (eastern-most north/south runway) is 10,000 feet. This runway was built in 1990.
• Runway 18C/36C (center north/south runway) is 11,000 feet and is currently designated as the alternate nighttime runway. This runway is original to CVG but has been extended in length several times over the years.
• Runway 18R/36L (western-most north/south runway) is 8,000 feet and was built in 2006.

Check the Flight Patterns
Flight patterns affect most areas around CVG. Some areas may experience more air traffic than others due to wind, weather, or operational conditions. There can also be variation in the altitude of the airplanes for various reasons, both on departure and on approach. The Federal Aviation Administration is solely responsible for the movement of aircraft throughout the national airspace system and assigns headings, altitudes, etc. Familiarize yourself with our flight patterns here. Please note that the flight patterns may change per FAA regulations.

Assess the Homesite
Since noise is subjective, we encourage prospective homebuyers to listen to the aircraft activity in the street/subdivision of interest during different times of the day and night to determine if the level of aircraft noise is acceptable to you and your family. If you have questions regarding flight activity in a particular area, street, or subdivision, please feel free to contact CVG’s noise abatement staff.

Screen Information Carefully
Real estate agents, property developers, neighbors, and concerned citizens may not be familiar with aircraft operations at CVG. Do your own due diligence, and do not rely solely on what others share with you. While we highly encourage you to speak with potential neighbors regarding noise over the areas, keep in mind that noise is subjective. If you have technical questions regarding flight patterns, current aircraft operations, aircraft over-flight areas, or future growth at the airport, please call noise abatement staff.

Contact Noise Abatement Staff
Still have questions or concerns? Feel free to contact the CVG noise abatement line at 859-767-7020.