We actively review industry practices as well as recommendations and suggestions from our consultative committees. The review process involves discussions with our airline partners and NAV CANADA, focusing primarily on aviation safety. In some instances, a trial is proposed to evaluate our ability to implement a new practice.
For information on noise management at YBW Springbank Airport, click here
Noise emission standards
The first noise emissions regulations for aircraft were introduced by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) in 1972. Since then, aircraft designs have evolved significantly to reduce noise and meet changing standards over time. At YYC, our airline partners update their fleets regularly with newer, fuel-efficient aircraft that produce less noise.
How aircraft noise is generated
In general, there are two sources of noise from an aircraft in motion: the engine and airflow over the aircraft’s frame.
Noise from an aircraft engine is created from fuel combustion, moving engine parts and flow of air through and past the engine itself. With propeller aircraft, additional noise is generated from the unshielded propeller tips moving at incredibly high speeds.
When an aircraft is about to land, the extended flaps and landing gear increases airflow resistance and drag. As more drag is produced, the laminar airflow becomes more turbulent, and the airframe noise gets louder.
Perceiving and measuring noise levels
Sound is a type of energy made by vibrations. These vibrations force the surrounding air particles to compress and expand, resulting in an alternating wave pattern of air pressure differences. This is what propagates the sound through the air. There are two terms that are used to describe sound: sound pressure (perceived as loudness) and frequency (perceived as pitch).
Sound pressure is measured in pascals (Pa). However, for practical applications and to better reflect the human ear’s response to sound intensity, we often use decibels (dB). For reference, the human ear can detect sound between 0 dB (20 µPa) and 130 dB (100 Pa). Normal conversation is about 60 dB, while jet engines at the source can exceed 120 dB.
Frequency, measured in hertz (Hz), is the number of pressure variations (or number of times that an air particle vibrates back and forth) in one second. A young adult can detect frequencies ranging from 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz. Although we can detect frequencies within this range, our ear is less sensitive to very low and very high frequencies. To account for this variation in sensitivity, the A-weighted decibel scale (dBA) is used. Our standard is to show sound level data in dBAs for consistency.
Factors affecting noise levels
Several factors influence how you might hear the same aircraft differently from one day to the next. These include sound frequency, aircraft distance and altitude, air temperature and humidity, atmospheric pressure, wind direction, precipitation, topography, ground absorption, reflecting surfaces, shielding, etc.
The generalized scenarios below are simplified explanations that describe how aircraft noise may be heard differently.
Temperature:
Wind:
Ground Effects:
YYC actively monitors aircraft noise in the Calgary region, using a network of 16 Noise Monitoring Terminals (NMTs) located in neighbouring communities that capture both aircraft and community noise data.
We regularly replace and relocate some of our permanent NMT network sites to accurately portray the existing noise environment. Our program also includes a mobile noise monitoring terminal that can be deployed for short durations in areas of the city to provide a better understanding of the community’s noise profile.
We’re committed to staying connected with the communities in and around Calgary, keeping the conversation going about aircraft operations. We regularly attend community-led events to strengthen communications with surrounding neighbourhoods and provide space for stakeholders to ask questions directly to staff from The Calgary Airport Authority.
The Airport Community Consultative Committee (ACCC) is one of our key community engagement initiatives. Click here for more information about this committee, and to access materials from previous meetings.
Investigations and responses to noise concerns often involve verifying information with Air Traffic Controllers and aircraft operators. If we suspect that any operational restrictions have been infringed, we will contact the airline operator for information. Where it appears that the aircraft operation in question does not comply with aviation regulations, we will refer to Transport Canada, who will then undertake an investigation.
For any advisories or developments that can potentially affect noise in your community, please view our Notices section.
Do you have a question or comment about aircraft noise in your community? We welcome all feedback and follow up as necessary.
Submit a concern