How Is the Aviation Industry Combating Noise Pollution?


As airports continue to pop up across the globe and the aviation industry expands, aircraft noise pollution remains an ever present problem for much of the worldwide population and wildlife. While the amount of noise that aircraft make has dramatically decreased over the past ten years, it still remains a pressing problem that the aerospace industry is hard at work to resolve. From changing flight management to creating newer technologies, there are many avenues that are being explored to assist in creating more quiet environments for the benefit of all. In this blog, we will discuss some of the major ways that the industry is combating noise pollution, allowing you to better understand the future projection of aircraft and aviation management.

According to a study conducted by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2011, researchers found that traffic noise pollution is linked to a loss of around 1 million years of life per year across western Europe. From auditory damage to increased cardiovascular diseases, noise-pollution can cause many detrimental effects to those affected by it. While a majority of these issues are tied to automobile-based traffic noise, the impact of air traffic noise should not be overlooked, especially for those who are within close proximity to airports.

Beyond human populations, traffic-based noise pollution also has many adverse effects on the natural environment and its ecosystems. In a study conducted within Europe, researchers found that local birds have begun to change the times in which they sing, waiting for lower traffic when environmental noise is minimal. Beyond birds, countless findings have are currently being researched, linking noise pollution to some negative effects that ecosystems are facing. As such, the airline industry is constantly innovating in order to reduce their impact on the environment for the benefit of humans and wildlife alike.

One major way in which we are combating noise pollution is through mandates and legislation, and many bodies have put forth criteria to assist in the effort. In 2013, the International Civil Aviation Organization, or ICAO, released their Chapter 14 documents, those of which set forth a new standard for noise reduction. Within its contents, ICAO established that any new aircraft models that are designed must be at least seven decibels quieter as compared to models built following the older Chapter 4 standard.

Through standards such as the one set forth by ICAO, aircraft noise pollution has seen a 35% decrease worldwide over the years between 1998 and 2004. Since then, new models have begun to see a trend of noise footprint reduction of 15% with each subsequent aircraft model. While legislation has done much to create such awareness and spark endeavors, the mandates themselves are not entirely responsible for the execution of creating a more acoustically pleasant environments. To achieve such results, the industry has focused on many sectors of aircraft manufacturing and management, including technology, air traffic management, and land-use planning.

By focusing on sections of the aircraft such as aircraft fan blades, aircraft turbine parts, flight control surfaces, and engines, manufacturers have found many areas of improvement that have helped reduce the amount of noise generated. With present large aircraft such as the Airbus A380 and Boeing 787, noise footprints have been dramatically reduced to levels much lower than older designs. Furthermore, Bombardier has also begun utilizing newer Pratt & Whitney turbofan engines that are geared, allowing them to decrease noise emissions. Through the year of 2020, many manufacturers and industry leaders have set forth initiatives to decrease levels of noise by up to 50%, spearheaded by future outlooks on expansion and viability.

While low frequency components and aircraft noise dumping parts continue to be developed, managing the amount of aircraft that are traveling through the sky, where runways are placed, and times of operations can also have major effects on noise pollution. With optimal air traffic management, flight tracks may be mapped out to avoid more densely populated areas. With systems that provide precise direction heading, a lower number of individuals can be affected by passovers, ensuring that aircraft are not spread widely across a populated area. For such initiatives, air traffic management works closely alongside communities in order to ensure that dispersion is carefully considered. Additionally, aircraft can also prioritize paths that pass over the ocean, lakes, and other areas in which little population and ecosystems are located, minimizing their impact.

During takeoff procedures, aircraft may also utilize less thrust for operations, which in turn would cause engines to operate quieter while at low altitudes. Coupled with displaced landing thresholds and improved landing procedures, noise can be further reduced. As such, air navigation service providers, pilots, and airline owners can work together for the benefit of the communities they operate in and around.

One major sector that can be improved alongside traffic management is land-use planning, as it is crucial for decreasing the amount of population that is affected by the noise generated by flight. By consulting with local authorities where a potential or existing airport is located, airports can spearhead zoning rules for affected areas to minimize adverse effects. One major way in which zoning can benefit such endeavors is to have airports placed around areas of light industry or storage, preventing those at risk from having their residential areas polluted. Furthermore, insulation and ventilation may be implemented within housing to reduce the impact of noise indoors for the benefit of residents. As such initiatives are in the hands of local authorities, the aviation industry can only encourage change for more beneficial approaches to land development.

Altogether, the reduction of noise pollution is important for humans and ecosystems that are within proximity of airports. As such, the industry across all levels is working together alongside local authorities to create a more acoustically friendly environment. When you are in need of noise reducing parts such as aircraft noise dumping parts, look no further than ASAP Buying Services. ASAP Buying Services is a premier supplier of aviation, NSN, and electronic parts, offering customers unmatched service and pricing for their benefit. Receive a personalized quote based on your individual needs today when you fill out and submit an Instant RFQ form as provided through our website.


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