Noise Basics

• Noise Basics
• Basics of Sound
• What models and metrics are used to measure Community Noise Exposure?
• What can I learn about Sound Perception and Hearing?
• What has been done to reduce Aircraft Noise?
• What are the Federal Aviation Regulations that deal with Aircraft Noise?
• How does Weather affect Aviation Operations?

 

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) rules and regulations are codified in Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR). FAA policies and procedures for compliance with the law are published as orders.

14 CFR Part 36

Noise Standards: Aircraft Type and Airworthiness Certification

• Provides information regarding
• Acoustical change limitations
• Noise limitations depending on aircraft type
• Noise measurements and evaluation
• Procedures regarding noise limitations
• Markings, placards, and signs pertaining to noise limitations
• Establishes noise certification standards for the design of turbojet and transport category aircraft

14 CFR Part 150

Airport Noise Compatibility Planning

• Describes the procedures, standards, and methods for developing, submitting and reviewing:
• Airport Noise Exposure Maps (NEM).
• Airport Noise Compatibility Programs (NCP).
• Is a voluntary program:
• Airport operators are not required to participate.
• An approved NCP enables airport operators to apply for Federal grants for noise abatement projects.
• Identifies:
• Land uses which are normally compatible with different levels of noise exposure.
• Assists airport operators with noise compatibility planning programs.
• Other local, State, and Federal authorities are also involved in this process.

14 CFR Part 161

Airport Noise and Access Restrictions

• Provides a list of requirements and procedures for:
• Airport operators implementing Stage 3 aircraft noise and access restrictions. These restrictions follow agreements between airport operators and aircraft operators.
• Explains:
  • Analysis and notice requirements for airport operators proposing Stage 2 aircraft noise and access restrictions
  • Notice, review, and approval requirements for airport operators proposing Stage 3 aircraft noise and access restrictions
  • Notice, review, and approval requirements affecting Stage 4 aircraft.
• Lists procedures for:
  • FAA reevaluation of agreements containing restrictions on Stage 3 aircraft operations
  • Aircraft noise and access restrictions affecting Stage 3 aircraft operations imposed by airport operators.

FAA Order 1050.1F: "Environmental Impacts: Policies and Procedures"

• FAA policies and procedures for complying with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) requirements related to FAA actions. This may include a noise analysis, depending on the action.
• NEPA and other regulations set by the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) set up a broad national policy to protect the quality of the human environment.
• 1050.1F provides additional guidance for considering natural settings and noise sensitive areas.

Glossary Words:

Federal Aviation Administration, noise compatibility program, noise exposure map, noise, Stage 2, Stage 3, Stage 4, jet

For definitions of words used in this section go to the NoiseQuest Glossary of Terms.