Stages are for Theaters - Decibels are for Airplane Noise Measurements

Some local government agencies and airport operators are considering using FAA's aircraft noise certification rules to differentiate acceptable from unacceptable airplanes in an attempt to achieve a reduction in noise from airplane operations. This paper demonstrates why FAA's “stage” groupings of airplanes, while necessary and practical for airplane noise certification, is inappropriate for use as an operational means to reduce noise in the vicinity of a noise impacted airport.