ACRP IdeaHub Ideas

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 on airport noise and emissions regulations,

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

for each, legal authority and impact.

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 »

This research would examine several examples where implementation of Metroplex or other procedures has resulted in widespread increased community complaints and would explore options for redesigning those flight tracks to reduce noise concentrations over noise sensitive areas while satisfying project design goals and constraints. Changes in aircraft noise exposure, fuel consumption, and air emissions would be quantified... 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.

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.

By understanding what other airports are doing in the very wide subject area of sustainability, it may spur airports to try different means of conserving energy, recycling materials, or otherwise improving its sustainability practices. By looking not only at the practices, but the results, the challenges to implementation, and the costs of implementation, airports will be provided with guidance to improve their practices... 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.

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 »

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 »

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

Synthesis of case studies showcasing what has worked well and what has not, to give examples of alignment between airport operators and land use jurisdictions. States might take different approaches from each other, and understanding these differences could be valuable.

The purpose of this digest would be to explore the legal issues of operating spacecraft under 14 CFR Parts 400 to 460 at Part 139 and non-certified aviation facilities.

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

The objectives of this research project are to:
• Create an electronic resources library – preferably a website. This searchable electronic library should provide an inventory of available publications including the abstracts and index of ACRP research documents and non-ACRP research documents related to airside planning, design and operations.
• Recommend a process for keeping the website up-to-date.
• Identify which... more »