ACRP IdeaHub Research Projects

Accurate predictions of the noise environment in communities surrounding airports and spaceports from launch and reentry vehicle operations require models that have been validated over a range of vehicle types, operations, and atmospheric conditions. Research is needed to validate the commercial space operations noise models developed under ACRP 02-66 using the community noise measurement database collected under ACRP... more »

Conduct research to update the state-of-the-science regarding the feasibility of reducing or eliminating noise in communities from aircraft departures, specifically behind the start of takeoff roll, with active noise reduction technology.

Conduct research on airport noise and emissions regulations,

requirements, programs in place at U.S. airports, including the impetus

for each, legal authority and impact.

Flight procedures are a key element to predicting and minimizing noise impacts. Deviations from these procedures are causing unnecessary community noise exposure. Identifying deviation-related increases in noise and ways to minimize the deviations will help to reduce noise in communities in the vicinity of airports.

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a drastic reduction (in some cases over 95%) in air traffic operations at airports around the country. The only other time such extreme conditions occurred was after 9/11 (with three days of a total ground stop). The current situation presents an opportunity to collect significantly more data from a longer time period for both noise and air emissions to understand baselines, and the... more »

The main objectives of this idea are providing the U.S. airport industry and their stakeholders (airlines, ATO, ground handling service providers, etc.) with the following:
- Overview of the green taxiing solutions and their typical concepts of operations,
- Impact of these systems on airport operations, planning and design.

The research project includes producing or collecting:
- An inventory of the existing and prospective... more »

The research will characterize the changes in community noise impacts due to the implementation of RNP procedures. It will provide a solid picture of the character and scope of the problem through case studies and noise modeling. Possible mitigation strategies will be explored detailing the advantages and disadvantages of each approach supported by parametric noise analyses.

Install and operate a low cost remote tower solution using COTS/FAA approved radar only FOD detection solution (currently in operation at Heathrow) combined with an optical aircraft tail number/aircraft counter system/situational awareness system.

Produce a guidebook to provide a thorough overview of the emerging commercial space market and its implications for air traffic and airports. The research should include launch and reentry operations and cover emerging markets such as commercial crew operations to the International Space Station, space tourism, and fast point-to-point travel. The guidebook should address integrating flight operations with existing air... more »

The objective of this research effort is to develop written documentation on best available methods to model community noise generated from helicopter and tiltrotor operations. The document should address integrated and simulation modeling techniques, and methods for collecting and analyzing noise source data, and outline noise source development protocols. The language and format of the document shall be suitable for... more »

Determine if airport operations can be accurately counted using ADS-B data.

Research is needed to help airports
 better define the extent of the problem
 better define the potential direct impacts of restricted scheduling windows
 identify unintended consequences at both originating and destination airports from restricted scheduling windows on intercontinental routes
 propose alternative noise mitigation strategies to achieve similar or better outcomes for communities in the vicinity of... more »

The FAA's "Vision for Trajectory Based Operations", Version 2.0 dated September 2017, states that TBO will leverage NextGen improvements to make flight operations more efficient and predictable:
"TBO in 2025 depends upon use of improved data sets and greater collaboration between the FAA and its customers to enable better traffic planning and scheduling decisions. Improved data sets reflect access to new data elements,... more »

Practical, usable, efficient, and fair methods for clarifying use of operational airspace near to the ground

Current research by FAA regarding outdoor-to-indoor sound insulation measurement best practices for airport noise mitigation programs is anticipated to conclude during 2020, but will not address supplemental measurement methods or standardization of data analysis and documentation processes. The need for further investigation in these areas was highlighted by earlier ACRP-sponsored research and is necessary to attain... more »