Noise Reduction Operational Procedures

The Federal Aviation Administration and the Air Transport Association of America have worked independently and cooperatively for many years to improve the acoustic environment in the vicinity of airports. The present paper reviews noise control operating procedures which have been employed, are currently under development, and which are under consideration. Currently, noise abatement power cutback takeoff procedures, maximum altitude approaches, and preferential runway systems all are employed to provide noise relief. Any new procedures which are considered for implementation, however, require detailed evaluation for compatibility with the airport/airways environment.