In this guide, we will look at what noise abatement is, how it is achieved, and how pilots can adopt good-neighbour flying practices to keep their aircraft noise in check.
Aircraft are a piece of technological marvel! However, unless we somehow shift the world on gliders, there is no way that aircraft can make any less noise than they already do.
Although engineers are making great advances in building quieter aircraft, the vast majority of commercial and private aircraft generate a lot of noise. This noise can be in the range of 80 to 95dB. In context, a quiet bedroom at night might peak at around 30dB.
The good news is that there are ways that we can control the noise of an aircraft, especially when flying in dense and populated areas or even around other airstrips like Sherburn. This is where noise abatement policies come into play.
Aircraft noise can be a nuisance, and while pilots may be having the time of their lives operating these machines, the people below might have a different sentiment. This is why the CAA mandates that pilots follow all applicable noise-abatement strategies and policies as needed.
In this guide, we will look at what noise abatement is, how it is achieved, and how pilots can adopt good-neighbour flying practices to keep their aircraft noise in check.
KEEPING THE NOISE IN CHECK
Aircraft are designed to be noisy because of the engine. There are multiple things that add to and affect the noise that an aircraft makes, from aerodynamics to engine design and even the size of the aircraft.
However, pilots can adopt a few important best practices to not only reduce the noise of their aircraft but also adhere to the specific policies related to noise-abatement in an area.
These practices can be as simple as adjusting the circuit, arrival, and departure procedures when flying into noise-sensitive areas.
In populated areas, many aerodromes will explicitly state the approach and landing procedures for keeping the noise in check. This can include avoiding routes with houses and villages.
Aerodromes will issue a document that highlights routing details for arriving traffic from different directions. For example, in Sherburn, pilots flying from the South or Southwest can approach via Ferrybridge, while traffic from the North or Northwest can travel via the A1/M1 intersection.
In the context of Sherburn, the noise complaints are mainly generated by circuit training traffic, especially for repeated circuits rather than just approaching or departing traffic.
A way to counter this is to put a limit on additional traffic for circuit training. For example, no more than 2 or 3 circuit flights can take place during the day. This simple policy is not only effective but also enables pilots to continue training.
ISSUES AND CHALLENGES OF NOISE ABATEMENT
As mentioned above, circuit training, which is when pilots follow various patterns around the aerodrome, has proven to be a source of nuisance because it generates constant noise that can be annoying for residents.
Even though approach tracks have been designated to minimise flights over residential areas, there is still the possibility of pilots missing the final approach leg, which may cause them to pass near or directly over villages.
For example, in Sherburn, Brayton, to the south of Selby, is a common complainant because pilots may, on the rare occasion, miss the approach for Runway 28.
When a complaint is made, it is communicated directly to the aerodrome since general legislation does not deal with aircraft noise in the same way as other noise sources. The resolution of such complaints is made by the operator through a community liaison.
Fortunately, the aviation industry proudly affirms itself as a community of professionals, so pilots take noise-abatement practices and policies very seriously, because they, too, may be a part of the same community that made the complaint in the first place!
NOISE-ABATEMENT IN AND AROUND SHERBURN: GOOD-NEIGHBOUR FLYING
Here are a few things that pilots and aerodromes must focus on for maintaining a “good neighbour” status within the community:
Adhering to Published Noise Abatement Routing
Every aerodrome issues a noise abatement document, especially if they are located near dense or generally populated areas. This is why the first line of defence against complaints is to follow the specified inbounds and outbound routing to avoid noise-sensitive zones.
This includes following the prescribed routes for arriving and departing traffic. Following these policies can not only help avoid complaints but can also increase the status of the aerodrome in the community.
Minimising Low-Level Overflights
Pilots must keep in mind the altitude when approaching or landing near the aerodrome. When flying below 1,000 or 1,500 ft, pilots must keep away from residential zones where possible.
According to official documentation, altitude is a prime factor in generating noise and annoyance, which directly leads to a higher incidence of complaints.
So, by simply adjusting and keeping an eye on the altitude, pilots can easily mitigate the risk of generating excess noise.
Circuit Training Limits
Aerodromes must limit circuit training at low altitude and avoid repetitive patterns. Circuit training is crucial for pilot training, but it is also a key source of noise for the people below.
This is why aerodromes must make efforts to rotate training areas and limit repetitive low-level circuits. They must also encourage pilots to climb to higher altitudes before returning to avoid generating additional noise.
Keeping Aircraft in Check
Pilots should strive to use quieter aircraft or specific low-power settings consistent with the performance requirements.
Safety is a priority in aviation; however, where possible, pilots must operate in a way that reduces engine power near the ground, which can significantly lessen the noise of the aircraft during landing.
By avoiding full power below noise-sensitive altitudes, pilots can remain within the noise-abatement limits and reduce the chances of complaints by nearby residents.
Community Watch
Aerodromes must always engage with the local community. Many aerodromes have bi-annual community liaison group meetings that highlight any issues, if necessary. By maintaining good and healthy communication between the aerodrome and the community, aerodromes can streamline and monitor the way noise complaints are handled and dealt with.
This not only helps increase transparency but also allows the aerodrome to build a good reputation among the community members.
Monitoring Complaints
Aerodromes must establish an effective system for monitoring the complaints so that they can know which strategies work while changing the noise abatement policy.
Monitoring is an important aspect of handling complaints because it allows the aerodrome to keep track of how it can make better decisions or change aerodrome policies to help the community.
Without a proper system in place, community members and the aerodrome itself can face a lot of problems, especially when no one knows how to go about managing the complaint or taking remedial action to fix noise problems.
Being Professional
Being a pilot is not only about flying aircraft. It is a way of life!
Aviators are held to a higher standard worldwide and are seen as highly professional people. This is why it is important that aerodromes teach pilots humility, and especially how to be considerate towards each other and especially the members of the community.
By being considerate with night and early morning movements, pilots can greatly decrease the chance of complaints and increase goodwill within the community.
Policies for Visiting Pilots
Aerodromes must also effectively communicate and educate visiting or student pilots about the local noise abatement rules in the area. The aerodrome usually issues a Mandatory Noise Abatement Procedure document, which is for all pilots.
In most cases, pilots are well-trained and may usually ask for these policies themselves because they want to conduct themselves professionally and maintain the reputation of the air school that they are visiting from.
PROFESSIONAL TRAINING – MINDFUL FLYING
The type of pilot you become depends heavily on where you train. While most aero clubs teach pilots how to conduct themselves professionally, there are some schools that may not put enough emphasis on flying etiquette and being considerate.
The good news is that comprehensive flight schools, like Sherburn Aero Club, are designed not just to teach people how to fly but also to instil the aviator philosophy, which highlights the importance of being professional, courteous, and considerate.
Great flight schools don’t just teach but also mould the mindset of people to make them a better version of themselves. Schools like Sherburn have a strong faculty of highly professional instructors who work with the students to teach them how to fly and how to change their lives for the better.
If you are interested in transforming your life, then the first step is to join a club like Sherburn and then choose the type of licence you would want to go for.
There are several types of pilot licences in the world of aviation. Whether you go for an NPPL, LAPL, or PPL, each licence has its own advantages and drawbacks. The key is to find a licence that best fits your expectations, budget, and time.
For example, a PPL is a great general licence that can allow people to learn how to fly recreationally and become full-fledged pilots who can make their own private flights.
Commercial pilots, on the other hand, are a great option for people who want to learn how to fly and use their skills to earn money. A CPL is career-oriented, and pilots usually follow a typical career ladder.
A LAPL is a great starter licence for anyone looking to learn how to fly without the added stress of a full-time commitment. LAPL training puts most of the decisions in your hands. You get to choose when to train, and it is also a relatively cheaper licence to go for.
The good news is that pilots can carry forward their training into either a PPL or a CPL later on. That’s right, your training hours can be counted towards any type of licence. This way, you don’t have to start from zero every time and potentially also save up money in training. This “add-on” facility is extremely important because it allows one type of pilot to transition into another.
CAN YOU FLY AN AEROPLANE WITHOUT A LICENCE?
Flying an aircraft without a licence is like driving a car without a driver's licence. It is not allowed and grounds for serious consequences.
Licences and training make flights safer for everyone. A licence not only permits you to fly but it shows that you have the capabilities of operating aircraft and conducting yourself according to a certain standard.
If you are someone who is interested in aviation but doesn’t want to become a pilot, then we highly recommend that you check out experience or trial flights.
Trial flights are designed for the average Joe who wants to fly in an aircraft but doesn’t want to become a pilot. A trial flight puts people straight into the cockpit with an experienced pilot or flight instructor. These flights are designed to provide the thrills of aviation without any of the associated costs of training and licensing.
Experience flights are typically offered at comprehensive aero clubs like Sherburn Aero Club and are a fantastic way for people to get a taste of the world of aviation, albeit for a short while.
If you are worried about the added risks, then don’t sweat it! Experience flights are conducted in ideal weather conditions to ensure a smooth flying experience. Furthermore, you don’t need any qualifications to book an experience flight.
These flights can be the perfect way to get a glimpse into what aviation can offer, and you can even, if applicable, bring a guest along with you. All you need to do is pick an experience of your liking by visiting the booking page of the aeroclub and showing up on the day of your flight – it’s that easy!
WHY CHOOSE SHERBURN AERO CLUB
Sherburn Aero Club, which has been operational since 1964, is the ideal place for most of your training and flying needs. It is one of the largest flying clubs in the North of England and also one of the largest in the country.
With a large fleet of new aircraft and an airfield refurbishment with new runways, hangars, and an extended clubhouse, we cater to brand-new flyers who have just started their journey to the skies, as well as seasoned flyers who have been operating aircraft for decades.
If you wish to begin your career in aviation with a PPL or CPL or wish to take to the skies as a hobby, Sherburn’s flight training school offers private and commercial licences, along with pilot medicals, to ensure a smooth journey going forward.
Sherburn offers a dedicated day-long Flight Radiotelephony Operator’s Licence (FRTOL) course for those wishing to get the certification, running on the first Sunday of every month.
For those who wish to experience the thrill of a flight for fun or to help fuel their aviation dreams, Sherburn offers experience flights for the newbie, as well as the veteran. The flight experience option is also available for people who wish to take to the skies for special occasions, even if they aren’t into aviation in the long run.
In addition to that, if you are looking for a hangarage for your own aircraft, need servicing or repairs, want to buy a new aircraft or aviation equipment, or are just looking to enjoy and watch the aircraft, Sherburn Aero Club is the place to be.
Call us at 01977 682 674, email us at flightdesk@sherburnaeroclub.com, or message us via our online contact form for more information on light aircraft, training requirements, fee structure, licensing procedures, as well as noise-abatement in and around Sherburn.
