Aviation noise

Aviation noise is one of the most well-publicised forms of environmental noise.

Starts, approach and landing of aircraft cause very serious dangers for health. A starting aircraft may lead to a noise of more than 100 dB(A) at the ground. Modern aircraft are less noisy during start.

Even more problematic is the landing approach. Since aircraft landing in inner-city airports are often lower than 200 ft (60 m) above the roof level, they cause a noise of more than 95 dB(A).

Aviation noise is a serious health problem. It causes heart diseases, immune deficiencies, neurodermitis, asthma and other stress related diseases. It is an economic problem as well. Some calculations purport to show that the economic costs of health dangers exceed the economic benefit of aviation more than twice over.

The most problematic noise issue, however, is that of night movements after 7 p.m.

Since avaition noise became a major public issue in the 1960s and 1970s, governments around the world have brought in a series of legislative controls on it, and aircraft designers, manufacturers, and operators have developed ever-more efficient aircraft and operating procedures. Modern fan-jet engines, for example, are not only vastly quieter than the pure jets of the 1960s, they are more powerful, have better fuel economy, and and much more reliable. Noise levels in residential areas such as would be produced if they opened an airport at El Toro, California, are still considered unnacceptable however.