What are the sources of airport noise?

Aircraft engines are the major source of noise and can exceed 140 decibels (dB) during takeoff. While airborne, the main sources of noise are the engines and the high speed turbulence over the fuselage. There are health consequences of elevated sound levels.



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Aircraft noise is intermittent in nature and exposure to it during the night may result in sleep disturbance. Noise-induced sleep disturbance refers to awakenings, changes to sleep structure such as changes to sleep stages, arousals in heart rate, and body movements.

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Aircraft operators, at least for airports in most first world countries, must comply with the noise operating restrictions and noise abatement procedures or risk fines and other penalties. You can sue, but you probably won't win unless airport and airline operators are in violation of established rules and regulations.

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I would put a 15 mile radius as a rule of thumb to be 99% OK and about 25 miles to be 100% good. Remember there is always some low flying inbound flight in a bad weather day and likewise about 5% case outbound overloaded 747 and such make a big sound, but they are the exception and not the norm.

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Jet airliners, on the inside, are loudest in the last few rows at the rear. Outside, right at the engine exhausts, but you're in serious danger from the engine if you're anywhere near that. Most of the noise goes backwards away from the plane.

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If the pilot is in breach of the Rules of the Air, you can complain to the CAA (see below). For military aircraft, you can raise the issue with the MOD on 0845 600 7580. There's a useful article on low-flying military aircraft you can read on the GOV.UK website.

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While FAA's Aviation Noise Ombudsman is the public liaison for aircraft noise, it's best to first contact the local airport office staff or manager to address concerns about changes in flight patterns, hours of flights in your community, or airport or aircraft noise.

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Noise-canceling headphones can make all the difference in creating a good sleeping environment while you're on a flight.

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Airplane noise can be very annoying, especially if you live or work near an airport, and you should know that experiencing that noise constantly can be bad for your health. Some of the negative side effects include high blood pressure, increased risk of stroke and increased risk of heart attack.

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A moving aircraft causes friction and turbulence, which triggers sound waves. Generally, the faster the aircraft is flying, the more turbulence and friction will occur. When the aircraft's landing gear and flaps are used, more noise is made because more resistance is being created.

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