Why don the airlines always fly over the Bay instead of over residential neighborhoods?
With FAA approval, the Airport has implemented noise abatement procedures which require inbound and outbound airline flights over the waters of Tampa Bay instead of flying over residential neighborhoods. Deviations may occur due to inclement weather, conflicting air traffic and other safety concerns. Prior to landing or take-off, air traffic controllers direct airlines to follow the noise abatement procedures. For more information, see the PIE Noise Abatement Procedures page. Airports do not have the authority to control aircraft in flight. This authority is maintained by the FAA and pilot-in-command. Specific flight paths are determined based on several factors including weather conditions as well as other air traffic flying in and out of St. Petersburg-Clearwater International and Tampa International Airports.
