Managing Airport Noise

The Torrance Noise Abatement Office works to reduce airplane noise and make the airport a better neighbor to our community. We balance the needs of pilots with the quality of life for residents to keep our city livable.

How We Monitor and Enforce Noise Rules

Our office monitors aircraft noise 24 hours a day. We enforce local laws regarding:

• Noise levels during takeoff and landing.

• Late-night and early-morning curfews.

• Flight training operations.

Note on Jurisdication: We do not control how high planes fly or their specific flight paths—those are managed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). If you have concerns about flight safety or altitude, please contact the FAA at (562) 377-5400.

Noise Limits and Curfews

To keep our neighborhoods quiet, we set strict decibel (dB) limits and departure curfews:

• Standard Hours: Noise must stay below 82 dB.

  • Mon–Fri: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM

  • Weekends & Holidays: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM

• Nighttime Curfew: To prevent sleep disruption, noise limits drop to 76 dB.

  • Every Night: 10:00 PM until the following morning (7:00 AM weekdays / 8:00 AM weekends)
    
    

For Pilots

Special Noise Considerations

It is recommended, when taking off to the west, no left turn allowed prior to ocean or 1,500’ altitude, unless directed by ATC personnel, to avoid noise sensitive areas. This recommendation applies to straight out departures, it does not apply to training in the South Pattern or Missed Approach.

South Pattern training, while not prohibited for fixed wing aircraft, is discouraged in order to avoid adjacent noise sensitive areas on the rising terrain.

Information provided as to flight routes on departure or arrival is merely recommended and that the choice to fly and/or the choice not to fly, is strictly up to the pilot.

Testing

Access our testing procedures for more information.

Training Restrictions

We prohibit "Touch and Go" or "Stop and Go" training at all times.

Other types of training, like "Taxi-backs," are only allowed between 10:00 AM and 6:00 PM, Monday through Friday.

Training is strictly prohibited on City holidays (see accordion below).

Our Enforcement Process

We prefer to work with pilots through education. If a pilot breaks a rule, we start by sending a Warning Letter. However, if the behavior continues, we can hold formal hearings and eventually ban the pilot or aircraft from using the airport.

Get Involved and Stay Informed

• Noise Lab: Visit our interactive web-based community portal to track flights, see noise data, or submit a noise complaint.

• Noise Tests: Pilots can schedule a noise test to ensure their aircraft meets city standards by emailing NoiseAbatement@TorranceCA.Gov.