In-cabin noise levels during commercial aircraft flights

Authors

  • H. Kurtulus Ozcan Istanbul University, Faculty of Engineering, Department of Environmental Engineering, 34320, Avcilar, Istanbul, Turkey
  • Semih Nemlioglu Istanbul University, Faculty of Engineering, Department of Environmental Engineering, 34320, Avcilar, Istanbul, Turkey

Keywords:

Acoustic noise, Acoustics, Aircraft landing, Flight dynamics, Noise pollution control, Takeoff, Aircraft flights, Jet passenger planes, Mechanical noises

Abstract

Air transport is one of the most commonly used mode of transportation and hence passenger comfort is highly desirable. Aircraft interior noise is important, especially in long-term flights, concerning the health, comfort, and psychological wellness of both passengers and flight crew. Noise levels, which changes according to different motions of aircraft, can be defined as the noise during takeoff and landing and during level flight (cruise). There are also non-aircraft-originating noise sources in the cabin. These can be classified into those caused by passenger activities such as conversations and luggage-related rearrangements as well as those caused by flight-crew such as flight attendant-related speaking activities, announcements from pilot and flight attendants, mechanical noises during food/beverage services and flight security demonstrations, and other announcement signals. In this study, in-cabin noise levels were measured during all flight activities in a commercial jet passenger plane. These noise levels consist of both continuous and discontinuous types. As a general tendency, continuous noise levels were seen to be 60-65 dB(A) prior to takeoff, and 80-85 dB(A) and 75-80 dB(A) during flight and landing, respectively. Discontinuous in-cabin noise levels were observed to reach levels as high as 81-88 dB(A) range. This study shows that it can be possible to control and reduce in-cabin noise levels, especially due to human activities and a few recommendations are suggested.

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Published

2006-12-01

How to Cite

1.
Ozcan HK, Nemlioglu S. In-cabin noise levels during commercial aircraft flights. Canadian Acoustics [Internet]. 2006 Dec. 1 [cited 2023 Mar. 22];34(4):31-5. Available from: https://jcaa.caa-aca.ca/index.php/jcaa/article/view/1854

Issue

Vol. 34 No. 4 (2006)

Section

Technical Articles

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