Skydive Truckee Tahoe Aircraft Noise Complaints

Aug 05, 2021

Thank you to all who have and continue to submit comments regarding the offensive noise from the Skydive Truckee Tahoe (SDTT) aircraft, as well as other aircraft overflying our community.  The Truckee Tahoe Airport District has limited authority as an airport operator to address the issues regarding the skydive jump plane.  We do work hard to influence where they fly.  Skydive Truckee Tahoe, in cooperation with the FAA, choose the paths they fly to get their jumpers to altitude, which is typically 16,000 feet.  What may not be obvious is that only the FAA has authority over flight paths.  We do ask SDTT to fly routes that will generate less annoyance but we have no ‘teeth’ to forbid or penalize these operators. 

The problem primarily lies in the type of aircraft SDTT has chosen to operate.  We are strongly encouraging them with all the authority we have to find an aircraft to operate that is more sensitive to our community and generates much less noise.  There are many types of aircraft that have a much quieter noise signature that are commonly used for skydiving.  SDTT has indicated they are working on quieter options, but SDTT has not found a solution yet.  Airport Staff and the Board of Directors are investing significant time and resources to consider all available options to mitigate the noise and annoyance from this operation.  Please check back for updates as they become available.  Your public comments are heard and appreciated and we encourage you to provide your comments to us. 

Along with the District Noise Comment option, there is also an FAA Noise Ombudsman where you can file your noise concerns.  The FAA is the authority on this issue and as such we encourage you to reach far and wide to make your issues heard.  Their contact info is as follows: 

FAA California (Northern), Marina Landis (Acting),  email: 9-awp-noise@faa.gov  or call: (424) 405-8020

Thank you.