Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make a complaint?

Complaints can be made at the Noise Abatement office, via Noise Lab. Noise Abatement staff will need the time and date of the disturbance, what kind of disturbance (loud aircraft, curfew violations, etc.), and location of the disturbance (address, hundred block or cross streets and city).  Descriptions and tail numbers of aircraft are not always possible but are very helpful to the Noise Abatement office.   If you would like a return contact, please leave a name and phone number or email, so staff can respond.  Note: if Staff does not receive full information regarding a noise event, staff may not be able to properly investigate the event. Also, Staff will not process auto-generated complaints from applications such as Airnoise.io


What happens when I make a noise complaint?

The complaint is logged by date, time, provided location, type of aircraft, and type of violation, and then it is investigated by the Noise Abatement staff. Note: if is Staff does not receive full information regarding a noise event, staff may not be able to properly investigate the event. If it is found that an aircraft is in violation, staff will log the violation and send a Notice of Violation letter to the owner/pilot of the aircraft. 


How high does an aircraft have to fly above my residential neighborhood?

The Torrance Airport and the Noise Abatement office do not regulate altitude for aircraft; this is regulated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the FAA Control Tower. While the City of Torrance continues to work with the FAA and the Control Tower, the aircraft in navigable airspace is subject to federal regulations, among which is the requirement under 14 CFR section 91.119(b) that except when necessary for takeoff or landing, no person may operate an aircraft over any congested area of the City below an altitude of 1,000 feet above the highest obstacle within a horizontal radius of 2,000 feet of the aircraft. The FAA can be reached at (562) 377-5400 or https://www.faa.gov/about/office_org/field_offices/fsdo/  The Torrance Airport/Zamperini Field is under the Long Beach FSDO (Flight Standards District Office).


Why does Torrance Noise Abatement refer me to the FAA when airplanes or helicopters are flying too low, over my neighborhood or recklessly?

The Torrance Airport Noise Abatement office is responsible for monitoring noise around the airport and enforcing what is written in the Torrance Municipal Code.  The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has jurisdiction over safety concerns and airspace usage. FAA can be reached at (562) 377-5400 or Federal Aviation Administration The Torrance Airport/Zamperini Field is under the Long Beach FSDO (Flight Standards District Office).


When I call noise abatement I always get the voicemail. Do they really check their messages?

Yes, Staff checks voicemails and follows up on those voicemails.  As Staff may be on another line or temporarily out of the office, it is best to leave a message; including the date, time, why you are calling, and a name and phone number or email address if you wish to be contacted by a staff member. 


Can I get an exemption for an Early Morning departure?

Yes.  Exemptions are allowed for certain circumstances.  Contact the Noise Abatement office at (310)784-7950 or noiseabatement@torranceca.gov, for applications and information.


What is a Noise Test?

Noise test are used to let new pilots know what the actual noise levels are for their aircraft when conducting operations at Torrance Airport, verifying sound levels of aircraft after maintenance or alterations and for correcting violations of the noise code.  Pilots can contact the Noise Abatement office when a test is needed and staff will work with pilots to get an aircraft into acceptable noise limits.  Please contact the Noise Abatement Office at (310)784-7950 or noiseabatement@torranceca.gov .


Why is the Coast Guard helicopter flying over my house?

The Coast Guard may be responding to an emergency, flying routine duty flights or training.  It is best to call the Coast Guard Public Affairs at (310) 521-4260/ (310) 781-0619 After Hours.


How do I get a Noise test?

Noise tests must be arranged with the Noise Abatement office prior to departure.  Noise tests can be pre-arranged by visiting the Noise Abatement office, via telephone or noiseabatement@torranceca.gov .  Noise Abatement staff will need a tail number, type of aircraft, approximate time of departure, and name and contact information for the pilot, so test results can be relayed to the pilot.  Noise Test requests without complete information may not be processed and could result in a violation.  Noise Tests requested after a flight may not be honored and could result in a violation. Please contact the Noise Abatement office for further information at (310)784-7950 or noiseabatement@torranceca.gov .


Why are Safety Aircraft (Coastguard, Police Dept., etc.) not cited for noise or curfew violations?

Emergency/Law Enforcement aircraft, Military aircraft, aircraft owned by the United States of America or the State of California, Civil Air Patrol and aircraft conducting tests are specifically exempted by the Torrance Municipal Code (TMC 46.8.10 & 51.4.2).


I thought Jets weren’t allowed at the Torrance Airport?

The Torrance Airport does not provide Jet fuel services. However, Jet aircraft are allowed to use the airfield for take off, landings, training and storage.


How late can a plane land at the airport?

Aircraft are not prohibited from landing at any time. Aircraft are still required to meet daytime and/or night time noise limits (unless the aircraft is exempted per code or there is a bona fide emergency).


What time can planes start taking off at the airport?

7:00 am Monday – Friday and 8:00 am Saturday, Sunday and Holidays.  For more information check the Noise Abatement Flyer on this website or contact the Noise Abatement office at (310)784-7950 or noiseabatement@torranceca.gov .


Why are Pilots Allowed to Train on Some Holidays

51.5.7 PROHIBITED OPERATIONS ON SATURDAYS, SUNDAYS AND CITY OBSERVED HOLIDAYS


When Can Pilots Train at Torrance Airport

EFFECTIVE MARCH 8, 2024-Torrance Municipal Code (TMC) 51.5.6 Prohibited Operations on Weekdays - No low approach or full stop taxi back shall be permitted on the Airport between 6:00 p.m. of one day and 10:00 a.m. of the following day, Monday through Friday inclusive.


Are Touch and Gos Allowed at Torrance Airport

EFFECTIVE MARCH 8, 2024 - Torrance Municipal Code (TMC) 51.5.5 Prohibited Operations - No touch and go operation or stop and go operation shall be permitted at the Airport.