Final compliance: Civil subsonic jet airplanes weighing 75,000 pounds or less

This regulation sets the final deadline for noise compliance for smaller jets. After December 31, 2015, you cannot operate a civil subsonic jet weighing less than 75,000 pounds to or from airports in the contiguous United States unless it meets Stage 3, Stage 4, or Stage 5 noise standards.

This applies to airplanes covered by §91.801(e), which generally includes jets in this weight category. The practical effect is that older, noisier Stage 1 and Stage 2 jets in this weight class are banned from the contiguous U.S. unless an exception in §91.883 applies.

This matters because it ensures these smaller jets meet modern noise requirements, protecting communities around airports. If you're operating or considering purchasing a jet under 75,000 pounds, you must verify it has been certified to at least Stage 3 noise levels to operate legally in the lower 48 states.

*This is a plain-English summary for study only. The official 14 CFR text on this page is controlling — always read the current regulation and consult a CFI.*