Q. What is the airport’s procedure if it finds the actions of an aircraft to be inappropriate/against Safety regulations?

A. The FAA is responsible for determining if an aircraft violated regulations. However, if the Airport believes there has been an inappropriate action, we will raise it with the FAA.

Q. Can’t they just divert air traffic away from my neighborhood every once in a while?

A. It’s not that simple. The judgment of the air traffic controller, the wind, other weather factors, surrounding air traffic, the capabilities of the aircraft, and the judgment and capabilities of the pilot, all impact the decision as to which runway to use for arrivals and departures, or which course to take. There is no attempt to use each runway an equal number of times within any given time period, or to fly over a particular neighborhood at any given interval. Safety is always our primary concern.

Q. Who tells the pilots where and when to turn?

A. Air Traffic Control, a branch of the Federal Aviation Administration, is responsible for air traffic management. At our airport, the control tower works closely with Port Columbus Air Traffic Control, to direct pilots during our hours of operation (7:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m.). The time, place and altitude of a pilot’s turn are determined by upon other air traffic, airspace restrictions, weather and safety. When the Control Tower at The Ohio State University Airport is closed, air traffic management responsibility is transferred to Port Columbus Air Traffic Control.

Q. If there was a pilot flying dangerously, can I report the pilot?

A. If you witness aircraft flying in an unsafe manner, requiring more immediate attention, please contact the FAA Aviation Safety Hotline at 1-800-255-1111.

Q. Why do so many airplanes take off and land in the same direction?

A. Airplanes must takeoff and land into the wind. The primary wind direction here at OSU is from the west or southwest. About 66% of the traffic at The Ohio State University Airport takes off and lands to the west.

Q. Why is there airplane traffic during the middle of the night?

A. Because The Ohio State University Airport is public airport; aircraft can land or depart 24 hours a day.

Q. Is there a legal minimum altitude that airplanes can fly over residential areas?

A. Federal Aviation Regulations specify a minimum altitude of 1000 feet over congested areas and 500 feet over non-congested areas. The exceptions to this rule are helicopters and aircraft on approach or departure.

Q. What are the largest aircraft that operate at OSU?

A. The Gulfstream V is the largest aircraft that operate at OSU.

Q. Why do some planes fly lower than others?

A. Aircraft arriving at The Ohio State University Airport will generally have an approach altitude assigned by Air Traffic Control several miles before landing. These assigned altitudes vary depending on other air traffic and weather conditions. As aircraft get closer to the airport, pilots will either visually adjust their approach altitude or use a radio beacon. A large aircraft will appear closer to the ground than a smaller one at the same altitude. Wind and weather, in addition to the aircraft type and weight, will also affect the speed and altitude of ascending or descending aircraft.

Q. Can the noise office change flight paths?

A. No. The FAA controls and regulates the airspace. Any change in departure or arrival flight paths must be approved and implemented by the FAA.