Agricultural Aircraft Noise Limits

FAR 91.815 — Agricultural Aircraft Noise Limits

FAR 91.815 explains noise operating limits for agricultural and firefighting airplanes that don't meet Part 36, and the work uses still permitted.

In Plain English

FAR 91.815 sets noise operating limitations for propeller-driven small airplanes with standard airworthiness certificates that are designed either for agricultural aircraft operations (as defined in § 137.3 effective January 1, 1966) or for dispensing firefighting materials.

If the Airplane Flight Manual (AFM), approved manual material, markings, or placards indicate the airplane has not been shown to comply with the Part 36 noise limits, you generally cannot operate it — with three narrow exceptions. You may only fly it:

To the extent necessary to accomplish the work activity directly associated with the purpose for which the airplane was designed (e.g., crop dusting, fire suppression);
To provide flight crewmember training in that special-purpose operation; and
To conduct nondispensing aerial work operations under § 137.29(c).

Why it matters: ag and fire bombers are often loud, specialized aircraft. This rule limits where and how a noncompliant airplane can be flown, keeping it tied to its mission rather than general flying.

Regulation Text

14 CFR § 91.815

§ 91.815 Agricultural and fire fighting airplanes: Noise operating limitations. (a) This section applies to propeller-driven, small airplanes having standard airworthiness certificates that are designed for “agricultural aircraft operations” (as defined in § 137.3 of this chapter, as effective on January 1, 1966) or for dispensing fire fighting materials. (b) If the Airplane Flight Manual, or other approved manual material information, markings, or placards for the airplane indicate that the airplane has not been shown to comply with the noise limits under part 36 of this chapter, no person may operate that airplane, except— (1) To the extent necessary to accomplish the work activity directly associated with the purpose for which it is designed; (2) To provide flight crewmember training in the special purpose operation for which the airplane is designed; and (3) To conduct “nondispensing aerial work operations” in accordance with the requirements under § 137.29(c) of this chapter.

Oral Exam Questions a DPE Might Ask

Q1What types of airplanes does FAR 91.815 apply to?

Per FAR 91.815, it applies to propeller-driven, small airplanes with standard airworthiness certificates that are designed for agricultural aircraft operations (as defined in § 137.3 effective January 1, 1966) or for dispensing firefighting materials.

Q2If an ag airplane's flight manual shows it does not meet Part 36 noise limits, when may you still operate it?

FAR 91.815 allows operation only as necessary to accomplish the work directly associated with its design purpose, to provide flight crewmember training in that special-purpose operation, or to conduct nondispensing aerial work operations under § 137.29(c).

Q3Where would a pilot find out whether an ag or firefighting airplane complies with Part 36 noise standards?

Under FAR 91.815, the pilot checks the Airplane Flight Manual or other approved manual material, markings, or placards, which indicate whether the airplane has been shown to comply with the Part 36 noise limits.

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Related Sections in Part 91

§ 91.1

Part 91 Applicability