Airport Noise and Emissions Programs and Regulations

The types of noise and emissions mitigation programs, requirements and regulations in place at airports across the United States varies considerably and depends on a number of factors. While FAA regulations prevent airports from imposing new access restrictions without undergoing a specific and lengthy process, there are a number of programs that pre-date these regulations and are allowed to remain in effect. Furthermore noise compatibility programs vary significantly from airport to airport. A research product that provides "one stop shopping" for airports, airlines, communities and other interested stakeholders to better understand the noise management programs and requirements in place would be beneficial. This could help airports as they evaluate their own programs, pilots to understand the measures in place at various airports (for example, fly quiet programs) and communities.

To develop a web-based compendium / searchable database and accompanying report of noise and emission regulations, requirements and programs in place at airports, including key elements of airports noise compatibility programs and relevant background information for each.

Project schedule approximately 16 months, estimated $300,000 budget

- The Boeing Company has developed an airport noise and emissions database that is publicly available, however it is several years out of date and it is unclear if there are plans to revive this site.
- PARTNER Project 10 - NoiseQuest website provides background on aviation noise and regulations to the public, but does not contain information about individual airports programs/ requirements (http://www.boeing.com/commercial/noise/list.page).
- ACRP Synthesis 16: Compilation of Noise Programs in Areas Outside DNL 65 explores alternative actions currently used by airports to address noise outside the DNL
- ACRP Report 15: Aircraft Noise: A Toolkit for Managing Community Expectations explores ways to improve communications with the public about issues related to aircraft noise exposure.
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