Virtual Reality Aircraft Noise Simulation for Community Engagement

Noise impact is one of the most important concerns of communities around airports. Regulations have been developed to protect communities from too much noise annoyance, but can be difficult to understand for non-experts. The NLR developed a noise simulator with a virtual reality glasses and a calibrated headset to simulate aircraft flyovers. Aircraft recordings were modified for distance, taking atmospheric absorption into account. 360 degrees video recordings mixed with a 3D aircraft model supported the aircraft noise event. The simulation was used at different community engagement events in the Netherlands and Sweden to explain expected sound characteristics and sound levels. In the Netherlands, the routes of a new airport were presented for concerned communities at a number of town hall meetings. In Sweden, an increased glide slope procedure was presented in comparison with the original route. Public at the meetings experienced the simulation as realistic and it gave them a good understanding of what to expected from the proposed changes by the authorities. There are indications that the personal attention for each of the individuals helped with explaining the changes to come. A validation of the effects of using the simulation for communities is a topic for further study.