7.2 blog discussion: The Airport & the Environment

 One of the main concerns surrounding airports is noise levels. Airports that are within a city or right on city boundaries are of particular concern. Noise levels are an important consideration as it is not only a nuisance for those who live nearby the airports, but also has an impact on wildlife in the surrounding areas. While technology is reducing noise levels of aircraft, it cannot be completely eliminated. Aircraft noise will vary based on the type of airport, in addition to the frequency. Smaller training airports that are predominantly used by single-engine piston aircraft will be much quieter, however there is potential for aircraft to be flying continual circuits. Larger, commercial aircraft will have higher noise levels due to jet aircraft. 

One of the main mitigation strategies for noise is implementing noise abatement procedures. These procedures may vary airport to airport but generally consist of requiring aircraft to climb at a higher rate of climb to gain altitude quickly. This means that the aircraft noise levels on the ground will be diminished. Noise abatement procedures may also contain specified routings to avoid overflying noise sensitive areas. Additionally, implementing curfew hours at airports may be beneficial to reduce noise during night time. 

ICAO is currently working on a balanced approach in regards to noise that includes “1. Reduction of noise at the source, 2. Land-use planning and management, 3. Noise abatement operational procedures and 4. Operating restrictions” (ICAO, n.d.). By implementing these various steps, noise reduction can be achieved. 

Resources: 

ICAO. (n.d.). Aircraft noise   // . Aircraft Noise. Retrieved March 23, 2022, from https://www.icao.int/environmental-protection/pages/noise.aspx