Report to Congress: Nonmilitary Helicopter Urban Noise Study

Publisher Marketing: This report presents the urban helicopter noise study information that the FAA was required to prepare pursuant to Section 747 of the Wendell H. Ford Aviation Investment and Reform Act for the 21st Century. Section 1 is the Executive Summary. Section 2 presents an introduction including the general background on the circumstances that led to this legislative mandate. It also outlines the approach implemented by the FAA to perform the study; i.e., seek public input, literature review, and urban source noise measurements. Section 3 presents the current state of scientific research on noise effects on individuals based on past socio-acoustic study findings. Where appropriate, it relates the criteria to aviation noise and more specifically helicopter noise. Section 4 is a compilation of the helicopter noise reduction comments offered by the public and helicopter industry. The information is summarized and presented as an issues list with a synopsis of responses. Section 5 presents the ATC procedures and regulations that support safe helicopter operations. Specific helicopter noise issues that relate to ATC operations are discussed. The needs of law enforcement and other emergency services are addressed. Section 6 takes into consideration the views expressed by the public and industry. It offers the FAA's response to each of the issues identified. Section 7 presents the FAA sponsored helicopter source noise measurements recorded in a densely populated metropolitan urban area. This noise data consists of a limited sample of in-situ noise measurements. In addition, a technical assessment of the noise-altitude sensitivity for a broad range of helicopters is discussed. Section 8 summarizes the conclusions and recommendations for helicopter noise reduction on individuals in densely populated (urban) areas. Contributor Bio:  Federal Aviation Administration The Federal Aviation Administration is the government agency that regulates and sets procedures for the aviation industry.