Who is responsible for aircraft noise?


Who is responsible for aircraft noise? In the United States, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulates airspace, aircraft, pilots, airports, flight procedures and aircraft noise.


What is the noise policy for aircraft?

Under longstanding FAA policy, the threshold of significant aircraft noise exposure in residential areas is a Day-Night Average Sound Level of 65 decibels (dB). See the “Aviation Noise Abatement Policy,” issued by the Secretary of Transportation and the FAA Administrator in 1976.


Can you complain about aircraft noise?

While FAA's Aviation Noise Ombudsman is the public liaison for aircraft noise, it's best to first contact the local airport office staff or manager to address concerns about changes in flight patterns, hours of flights in your community, or airport or aircraft noise.


Why can you hear planes so far away?

Airplanes fly very high in the air. Sound pressure level decreases, the further away you are from the source. The reduction in SPL follows the inverse square law.


Why are planes suddenly flying over my house?

Why am I suddenly getting more aircraft overflying my house than previously? Aircraft take off and land into the wind, or with minimal tail wind. As a result, wind direction dictates the selection of runway(s) in use at any time. This in turn determines which flight paths are used.


Why are planes so loud at night?

During the day, when the air is warmer than the ground, noise energy from an airplane staying in the air, so while you can still hear it, it seems quieter. Conversely, at night, when the ground is warmer than the air, the noise is drawn down, making it seem louder.


Does airplane noise bother you?

Airplane noise can be very annoying, especially if you live or work near an airport, and you should know that experiencing that noise constantly can be bad for your health. Some of the negative side effects include high blood pressure, increased risk of stroke and increased risk of heart attack.


What blocks airplane noise?

In addition to the acoustic insulation panels, you may also want to check your windows and doors to make sure they're keeping sounds out as much as possible. Double or triple glazing can make a big difference to the amount of noise that gets inside and having heavy external doors can also help.


Why do people complain about aircraft noise?

The impacts of aircraft noise at night are particularly pronounced. A large scale study around Heathrow Airport found that people living under the flightpath were 10-20% more at risk to stroke and heart disease than those not living under the flight path.


How do I complain about a light aircraft sound?

Locate the airport to contact with your noise concern . You will need to enter the address where the noise concern occurred to find contact information for airports in the area. If you need further assistance, submit a complaint or inquiry through the FAA Noise Portal.


How does aircraft noise affect humans?

Aircraft noise is intermittent in nature and exposure to it during the night may result in sleep disturbance. Noise-induced sleep disturbance refers to awakenings, changes to sleep structure such as changes to sleep stages, arousals in heart rate, and body movements.