Why is the A320 so noisy?

It's called the PTU, or Power Transfer Unit. It's basically an extra hydraulic pump that assists the system as necessary, and also does a self-test during engine start. But, it's very loud and people don't like strange, loud noises on airplanes, so I understand how it can be disconcerting!



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It's the PTU that makes the barking noise. It transfers hydraulic pressure from one of the systems to the other when there is a measurable pressure difference, 500 psi. between the two. When the pressure drops, the PTU kicks in.

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However, because of the logarithmic scale used in reporting decibels, this means the Boeing is about 50% "louder" than the Embraer aircraft. Similarly, the 737 is 0.9 decibels louder than the A320, or about 10% "louder".

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What I do find noisy on A320 series aircraft are the brake fans. Sometimes used on taxi out, and almost always used on taxi in, they can be very very noisy.

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As of August 2023, the global A320 fleet had 99.7 percent operational reliability in the last 12 months and completed more than 167 million flights over 307 million block hours since its entry into service.

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Compared with the competing single-aisle aircraft typically configured with 3-3 seating, the Boeing 737, the Airbus offers about one more inch per seat. Additionally, the A320 windows sit higher on the fuselage, which many people feel provides a more comfortable viewing.

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Safety is the priority for airlines. Airlines are sensitive to passengers' perceptions of safety, having randomly assigned the Boeing 737 Max to routes and times. Historically, Boeing has been considered more reliable and safer than Airbus.

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For the first quarter of 2022, Airbus had earnings of €1.26 billion ($1.34 billion) while Boeing lost $1.22 billion. Airbus reported total revenue of €12 billion ($12.7 billion) compared to Boeing's $14 billion.

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1 Airbus A380 The Airbus A380 is the largest commercial passenger aircraft in the world, as well as the quietest widebody airliner currently flying. The A380's double-deck design and advanced noise-cancellation technology make it one of the quietest airliners in the skies.

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1 Airbus A380 The Airbus A380 is the largest commercial passenger aircraft in the world, as well as the quietest widebody airliner currently flying. The A380's double-deck design and advanced noise-cancellation technology make it one of the quietest airliners in the skies.

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