Aviation Noise Review

The U.S. airlines have long understood that if we are to remain a critical engine of prosperity and progress, we must proactively address the environmental impacts associated with aviation, including noise. Through enduring research and development and public-private partnership programs bringing together government, industry, and academic institutions, significant technological advances have led to the development of much quieter aircraft. U.S. airlines have worked in cooperation with the FAA and other aviation stakeholders for decades to reduce aircraft noise, achieving tremendous results. This paper will include a review of the airline response to FAA's recent noise policy review, including a review of the evolution of noise standards for aircraft, which has resulted in a lower number of people exposed to significant levels of aircraft noise, even while the number of passenger enplanements continues to grow. Despite this progress, aircraft noise remains an important issue for many communities and an array of aircraft noise management regulations and procedures must be pursued to address noise concerns.