Q3 noise complaints rise to five; AAALAC highlights voluntary Fly‑Neighborly outreach

Jennifer (staff) told the AAALAC that the airport recorded five noise complaints in the third quarter of 2025, up from three complaints in the same period last year. "We did have 5 complaints for Air Lake Airport in the third quarter, and that is an increase," she said, and she summarized the incidents by aircraft type and dates, including a Cessna 172 at 11:28 p.m. on July 1 and an SR22 on Sept. 4 at about 9:40 a.m.

Jennifer explained that complaints are tagged to the airport based on where an aircraft operated to or from, so some complaints logged to Lakeville originated several miles away (for example, a complaint submitted from the Northern Metro area and another near Minnetonka).

Sai Laku, a community relations intern with the MAC, presented a Fly‑Neighborly overview and a comparative review of noise‑abatement practices at 15 similar general‑aviation airports. He emphasized that most noise‑abatement measures are voluntary under FAA rules: "The Federal Aviation Administration generally prevents public airports from imposing mandatory restrictions on flight path, limiting hours of operation and discriminating against aircraft access unless rare and exceptional circumstances," Sai said, and noted the airport uses voluntary guidance, outreach, seminars and a Fly‑Neighborly guide to reduce community impacts.

Jennifer and staff said the commission will continue outreach (including a Fly‑Neighborly webpage, QR codes, and seminars) and coordinate with flight schools and the pilot community to reinforce recommended practices. No formal enforcement or mandatory curfew was proposed.

What happens next: Staff will continue to monitor complaint counts, maintain a 24‑hour complaint intake system and keep the commission updated; membership outreach for roster renewal will proceed in December with a target to finalize memberships by Jan. 31, 2026.