NAVIGATION/NOISE CORRELATION IN A LARGE TRANSPORT AIRCRAFT – CASE STUDY

Noise is the most evident environmental impact of aviation for many people living in the airport vicinity because it can affect the quality of life. Regarding, aircraft noise could constrain airport expansion unless substantial noise reductions are made. The management of airspace for safety, navigation and logistical reasons leads to a concentration of air traffic along a small number of specific navigation procedures and routes. The area on the ground affected by noise from arriving and departing aircraft depends both on the flight path followed, and on the aircraft flight regime (or operational techniques and procedure followed). The paper will try to establish connection between noise level and flight regime/navigation procedure for large transport aircraft (Airbus A319) during descent and approach phase of flight. The noise level depends on aerodynamic drag (landing gear, flaps extension and airbrakes) and it will be compared to engine noise during low power/low drag procedure, continuous descend approach and regular approach path given by Air Traffic Control. As a result, the changes to operational procedures will be suggested to the aircraft operators and Air Navigation Service Provider in order to reduce environmental impact to the area around 10 to 25 NM from the runway.