FAA Experts Discuss Pilot Harassment During Cross Plains National Night Out Meeting

Concerns over pilot harassment took center stage at the City of Middleton Airport Commission meeting on August 7, 2025, as officials sought to clarify the definition and implications of such behavior under Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations.

Commissioner Charles raised the issue, prompting a discussion on what constitutes pilot harassment and how seriously the FAA treats substantiated complaints. Rich, a fellow commissioner, explained that harassment typically involves intentional low-altitude flights that create excessive noise, particularly over populated areas. He noted that while the FAA has regulations regarding flight altitudes—1,000 feet in congested areas and 500 feet in non-congested areas—complaints often overlook exceptions for takeoff and landing maneuvers.

The conversation highlighted the importance of understanding the regulations to differentiate between legitimate flight operations and actions that could be deemed harassment. Rich emphasized that if a pilot operates within safe approach procedures, it is not considered harassment, even if it leads to noise complaints.

The meeting also featured a light-hearted moment when Commissioner Ryan Wubin joined remotely from a National Night Out event, confirming his attendance despite technical limitations.

As the commission continues to navigate community concerns about airport noise, the discussions underscore the need for clear communication and adherence to FAA guidelines to ensure both pilot safety and community comfort.