Strategies for the effective reduction of aircraft noise exposure at airports : preparation of an integrated, effective and practice-orientated aircraft-noise reduction concept

Abstract

Exposure of the population to aircraft noise is still a severe problem. In this study, instruments and measures are investigated with which aircraft noise exposure might be reduced to a tolerable level. These investigations are carried out exemplarily for three types of airport: an airport with a large volume of freight and night-flight operations, a medium-sized airport and a regional airport. Initially, short- and long-term objectives for noise exposure are deduced. Measures for noise reduction are then identified and their impact (noise reduction and consequential decline in health risks and annoyance) and legal feasibility assessed. The measures are subsequently consolidated in strategies (that is, packages of measures). The efficiency strategy comprises measures that are easily implemented legally; namely, an increase in takeoff and landing charges, introduction of noise-optimized approach procedures and reduction of noise limits for establishment of protection zones in accordance with the German Aircraft Noise Protection Act (Fluglärmgesetz). In the effectivity strategy further measures are implemented, in particular a night-flight ban. Long-term noise abatement objectives cannot be achieved with the short- and also long-term measures under investigation. A possible solution could be a drastic reduction in permissible noise limits for new aircraft.