The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has the sole authority in determining where aircraft will fly and how the airport will operate. These decisions are made solely on standard air traffic control procedures. Noise complaints are not considered when making these decisions. However, considerable time and effort are spent on a quarterly basis in handling and analyzing complaints.

Arriving aircraft at low altitudes are generally quieter than departures of the same aircraft type because the landing requires much less engine power. However, close to the airport, the relative “quietness” of an arrival may be offset by the fact that aircraft are typically lower in altitude than departures over the same location.

Only one complaint will be accepted; multiple complaints and ranges of times will not be accepted. Each complaint should include name, address, email address, phone number, date and time of disturbance, and a detailed description of the disturbance. One-word statements will be recorded but not responded to. Obscene language and threats will result in the complaint not being accepted, plus possible legal action.

The FAA (Air Traffic Control (ATC)), not MVY, has sole authority and responsibility for routing and separating aircraft throughout the national airspace system. ATC's first priority is always the safe and efficient separation and routing of aircraft throughout the national airspace system.

 Martha's Vineyard Airport opened in 1942 by the US Navy and was handed over to the County of Dukes County in 1959 as a public airport, and has experienced ebbs and flows in service based on customer demand and cultural changes. A majority of the residential developments around the airport were built long after the airport, and even today, new residential development and redevelopment continue in the surrounding area.