How is aircraft noise measured?
The way aircraft noise is measured is complex. Metrics measure noise. Different metrics measure different things. We outline the key metrics used in our briefing – link below. Decibels indicate how loud a noise is. All noise, not just aircraft noise, is measured in decibels. You will also come across the phrase ‘noise contours’. As we explain below, a contour indicates the level of noise in a certain area.
Read our briefing: https://www.uecna.eu/key-issues/noise-health/how-aircraft-noise-is-measured/
Can I record aircraft noise myself?
There are a number of apps which allow you to record aircraft noise on your phone.
The best known is ExPlane: https://explane.org/
There is also a very useful system called EANS that was started by campaigners in Frankfurt and is now used by campaigners across the world: https://www.uecna.eu/actions/eans-european-noise-measurement-system/
Why is wind direction important?
Planes need to land and take-off into the wind. But it is wind direction at 3,000ft that is the determining factor.
Are there fixed routes?
It varies from airport to airport but the route needs to be fixed if you live fairly close to the airport as planes need to be lined up with the runway. On departure, planes can turn in different directions which can mean only people close to the airport get a constant flow of planes.
Will I be overflown all-day long?
You are more likely to be if you live close to an airport but some of the bigger airports with a number of runways do not use all the runways all the time and so everybody gets a break from the noise. Further from the airport it is possible for flight paths to be varied.
Will flight paths change?
Yes, new the introduction of new technology will mean the introduction of more precise routes. Alternating these flight paths would provide residents with a break from the noise.
Changes to flight paths are happening at airports across the world, driven by new technology. Ground-based systems are being replaced by satellite-based systems. It is called Performance Based Navigation (PBN). In essence, it means that aircraft can be guided more precisely as they land and take-off. Flight paths will be along a few, predicable, concentrated routes. This will allow more aircraft to use an airport, save on fuel costs, reduce CO2 emissions from each aircraft, improve the resilience of airports and probably cut the number of air traffic controllers required.
The choice of new flight paths, though, will constrained by the new technology. PBN flights will be along narrow predicable routes. So dispersing the planes across a wide area will no longer be an option. What is an option is the creation of multiple narrow flight paths which, if rotated regularly, would mean each local community could enjoy guaranteed periods of respite which many don’t get – want– at the moment.
How can I find out where the flight paths are?
Many airports use systems where you can track the planes as they arrive at and depart from the airport. For example, London Heathrow uses Webtrak: https://webtrak.emsbk.com/lhr4 If your airport doesn’t have a system, you can sign up to EANS https://www.uecna.eu/actions/eans-european-noise-measurement-system/ or use Flightradar24 https://www.flightradar24.com/
Are there ways noise from the planes using airports can be cut?
Yes, there are. See our briefing Good Operational Practices Cut Noise