UAS Noise Certification

With the expected increase in UAS operations and resulting noise, FAA's Office of Environment and Energy (AEE) sees potential issues with the application of current noise certification procedures to UAS. The only completed regulation that covers UAS is 14 CFR part 107 for small UAS (sUAS) with takeoff weights under 55 pounds. Under Part 107, sUAS are exempt from noise certification. Current noise certification requirements for fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft may not adequately capture the noise effects of UAS vehicles operating in urban environments. This paper presents the existing certification methods and efforts to date, and discusses potential methods of future certification of UAS which more closely align with their unique noise and operational characteristics.