FAR 91.881 — Subsonic Jet Noise Compliance
FAR 91.881 requires civil subsonic jets under 75,000 lbs to meet Stage 3, 4, or 5 noise levels when operating in the contiguous U.S. after Dec. 31, 2015.
In Plain English
FAR 91.881 sets the final noise compliance deadline for smaller civil subsonic jet airplanes — those weighing less than 75,000 pounds — that fall under § 91.801(e).
Key points:
- After December 31, 2015, you may not operate one of these jets to or from any airport in the contiguous United States unless it has been shown to comply with Stage 3, Stage 4, or Stage 5 noise levels.
- The only exception is the limited relief available under § 91.883 (special flight authorizations).
- Older, louder Stage 1 and Stage 2 jets in this weight class are effectively grounded from the lower 48 states.
Why it matters operationally: If you fly or dispatch business jets, you must verify the airplane's noise stage in the type certificate data or aircraft records before operating into the contiguous U.S. A non-compliant aircraft can't legally depart or arrive without a § 91.883 waiver, regardless of the airport or time of day.
Regulation Text
14 CFR § 91.881§ 91.881 Final compliance: Civil subsonic jet airplanes weighing 75,000 pounds or less.
Except as provided in § 91.883, after December 31, 2015, a person may not operate to or from an airport in the contiguous United States a civil subsonic jet airplane subject to § 91.801(e) of this subpart that weighs less than 75,000 pounds unless that airplane has been shown to comply with Stage 3, Stage 4, or Stage 5 noise levels.
[Docket FAA-2015-3782, Amdt. 91-349, 82 FR 46132, Oct. 4, 2017]
Oral Exam Questions a DPE Might Ask
Q1After what date must civil subsonic jets weighing less than 75,000 pounds meet Stage 3, 4, or 5 noise levels to operate in the contiguous U.S.?
Per FAR 91.881, after December 31, 2015, these airplanes may not operate to or from an airport in the contiguous United States unless they comply with Stage 3, Stage 4, or Stage 5 noise levels.
Q2Which weight class of civil subsonic jet airplane does FAR 91.881 apply to?
FAR 91.881 applies to civil subsonic jet airplanes subject to § 91.801(e) that weigh less than 75,000 pounds.
Q3Is there any exception that allows a non-compliant small jet to still operate in the contiguous United States?
Yes. FAR 91.881 specifically excepts operations conducted under § 91.883, which provides for special flight authorizations for non-compliant aircraft.
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Related Sections in Part 91