Who has the ultimate control of the air above my house?
The federal government has jurisdiction over United States airspace. No individual may claim ownership of airspace over his or her property. Airspace is considered to be public domain and may be used by anyone as long as they do not interfere or endanger the people and property on the ground below. Aircraft are generally restricted to flight at altitudes of at least 500 feet unless they are taking off or landing. Once an aircraft departs from an airport, the airport no longer controls the movements or actions of the aircraft. The responsibility is shifted to the pilots and Air Traffic Control (ATC). Air Traffic Controllers are employed by the U.S. government or by private companies who are contracted by the U.S. government. See Federal Aviation Regulations. However, noise concerns and inquiries should always first be directed to the airport whose operations are causing any disturbance.
