Noise Abatement: How Airport Noise can be Reduced

 

    One of the most prevalent effects aviation has on the environment is noise pollution. With the every increasing traffic density  in the national airspace system, there's no doubt that the increase in noise caused by aircraft has effects on the surrounding areas. Studies have continued to show that the constant exposure to noise caused by aircraft can have negative impacts on our society. A study conducted by the European Commission found that living near an airport can be a risk factor for coronary heart disease and stroke, because of increased blood pressure caused by this noise pollution. (West, 2019) This excessive noise cause by aircraft has also been shown to have negative impacts on child development. Children living near airports have been found to lag behind their classmates by two months for every five decibel increase in noise levels. (West, 2019)

    In order to counteract these negative impacts, the FAA and local airport authorities have begun to set countermeasures to reduce the amount of noise pollution in certain high population dense areas. Some examples of the techniques include maximum noise level limitations, takeoff curfews, operational limitations, and runways shortening. (Martin, 2019) Pilots are encouraged to read their chart supplements closely, as certain restrictions are imposed there to reduce the noise level. Certain airfield management teams have started to impose airfield markings to help remind pilots of these restrictions, given in the example above. With these methods in place the amount of noise pollution can and will be reduced, and the negative impacts of modern aviation can be lowered.

References

Martin, S. (2019). Here's Why You Should Take Noise Abatement Procedures Seriously. Retrieved September 27, 2020, from https://www.boldmethod.com/learn-to-fly/maneuvers/noise-abatement-procedures/

West, Larry. (2020, August 26). Health Effects of Airport Noise and Pollution. Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/health-effects-of-airport-noise-and-pollution-1204091