AIRCRAFT/AIRPORT NOISE continued
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NOISE MODELING:
AAC uses modern PC computer systems to perform statistical analyses,
predict aircraft noise, and generate noise level contours. AAC can
generate aircraft noise contours and, through the use of geographic
information systems (GIS), predict the number of people impacted by
aircraft noise and present this information in a computer-aided drawing
format. We have the latest versions of the Federal Aviation
Administration's (FAA) Integrated Noise Model (INM), Heliport Noise
Model (HNM), and the U.S. Air Force's NOISEMAP and ROUTEMAP models. In
addition, AAC has noise measurement instrumentation that is used to
measure aircraft overflights and can be used to calibrate the computer
models. This approach can allow for the most accurate assessment of
aircraft noise.
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ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT:
In recent years, AAC staff members have had roles in conducting
environmental assessments of airport expansion projects for airport
authorities, as a subcontractor to architectural and engineering firms,
and for the FAA. We have also prepared assessments for runway
expansions, construction of new runways, relocation of military flying
units, airspace and airfield utilization, and other airport programs.
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LAND USE STUDIES:
Recommendations for land use controls may evolve from the final noise
analysis. AAC’s staff has experience in assessing population and
business growth around airports and can generate information on future
land use patterns expected in the airport vicinity. The main conflicts
of these patterns with foreseen environmental conditions can then be
identified, and improved land use controls recommended. The interaction
of noise contours with land-use patterns involves the utilization of a
methodology developed by AAC staff who are skilled in the use of GIS can
manipulate census data, such as population, number of housing units, and
land values, to be tabulated automatically within the areas of a
specified noise level contour. It also enables a quick environmental
evaluation to be made of alternative on-site airport layout plans during
a master plan project.
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HELIPORT ANALYSIS:
The analysis of heliports, helipads, and helistops are quite different
from that of an airport or airfield. Helicopters have acoustical
characteristics and problems which are specific to themselves and that
require specialized models and approaches to modeling. AAC has the
latest FAA Helicopter Noise Model (HNM) as a tool for describing the
propagation, impulsiveness, and spectral characteristics of noise from
different types of helicopters. Adjustments in our evaluation of impact
are also made based on the surrounding terrain, elevation of the
helipad, and actual noise measurements. AAC staff conducted a helistop
noise assessment study for a major television studio in the City of
Glendale, California. For this study noise, contours were generated
based on existing and future flight tracks, operations, and operations
profiles. Recommendations were provided to develop flight tracks that
would minimize the impact on residential neighborhoods.
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AIRPORT SOUND ATTENUATION:
The residential and commercial noise insulation projects managed by AAC
staff have involved determination of the acoustical insulation
requirements for residences and commercial buildings impacted by
aircraft noise, optimization of noise reduction techniques, and for
select projects preparation of an Acoustical Evaluation Manual.
Modifications have included replacement or upgrading of window and door
assemblies, improving attic space insulation, improving kitchen exhaust
ducts, baffling of attic vent openings and replacing fireplace dampers.
These projects have involved making pre-construction noise measurements,
recommending retrofit measures, coordination with an architectural
consultant to develop plans and specifications, and post-construction
noise measurements and inspections.
Following is a brief list of projects that were managed by AAC staff
members. Most of these projects involved measurement and analysis of
noise due to aircraft operations, projection of interior noise level,
and development of recommendations for mitigation of aircraft noise.
• Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) Sound Insulation Program
• City of Inglewood/LAX Sound Insulation Program
• City of El Segundo/LAX Sound Insulation Program
• City of Los Angeles/LAX Sound Insulation Program
• County of Los Angeles/LAX Sound Insulation Program
• Dallas/Ft. Worth Sound Insulation Program
• U.S. Navy/Miramar “Top Gun” Academy Noise Insulation Project
• Orange Coast College Aviation Noise Project
• MCAS/Tustin Building Helicopter Noise Insulation
• Aviano Air Base Noise Reduction Study
• John Wayne (SNA) Airport Sound Insulation Program.
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AIRPORT NOISE MONITORING SYSTEMS:
AAC staff members have managed numerous airport noise monitoring system
programs throughout California and the United States. The design,
acquisition, an implementation of a world class noise monitoring system
is complex and highly detailed task that involves participation from
acoustical experts as well as airport planning staff, computer experts,
architects, and field contractors. The following is a brief list of
aircraft noise monitoring system projects managed by AAC staff members.
Key elements of these projects involve system design, monitoring site
selection, development of procurement specifications, vendor selection,
acceptance testing, and training.
• San Francisco International Airport
• Los Angeles World Airports (LAX, Ontario, Van Nuys)
• McClellan Palomar
• Fort Lauderdale
• Minneapolis St. Paul International Airport
• Dulles International and Washington National Airports (for FAA)
• Montgomery Field, San Diego
• Milwaukee General Mitchell International Airport
• Seattle Boeing Field
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RECENT PROJECT EXPERIENCE IN AIRCRAFT NOISE:
AAC’s staff members have experience in preparing the following
Environmental Impact Statements (EIS), Environmental Assessments (EA),
Project Reports, Master Planning Studies, heliport evaluations, and
other airport noise and environmental studies related to aircraft noise.
Several individual projects are follow.
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MCAS EL TORO TEST STAND, EL TORO: AAC’s staff
members conducted ambient noise monitoring of F-15 and F-16 aircraft
operations at El Toro Marine Corps Air Station. The measurement data was
used to design an aircraft test stand and run-up facility. The effect of
speech interference on facilities as well as local noise criteria was
evaluated to design the test facility. The noise technical study
recommended building construction details and configurations to reduce
aircraft engine run-up noise. Vendor noise control panels and building
materials were reviewed to determine the best approach for reducing the
noise generated by test operations.
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MCHAS TUSTIN:
AAC’s staff members conducted ambient noise monitoring
of CH53E helicopters operations at the Tustin Air Station. Helicopter
departures, arrivals, touch-and-go, and training operations were
observed and monitored to determine the noise exposure at adjacent
commercial developments. The effect of speech interference was evaluated
in terms of recognized noise criterion curves. Based on the measured and
predicted Sound Exposure Level (SEL), Maximum Noise Level, and CNEL,
building shell modifications were recommended to insulate the effect of
helicopter noise on the commercial buildings.
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ORANGE COAST COLLEGE TEST STAND, COSTA MESA: AAC’s
staff members conducted ambient noise monitoring of aircraft operations
at Orange Coast College’s Aircraft Test Stand. The measurement data was
used to design a aircraft test stand and run-up facility. The effect of
speech interference on nearby classrooms as well as local noise criteria
was evaluated to design the test facility. The noise technical study
recommended barrier configurations and heights to reduce aircraft engine
run-up noise. Vendor noise control panels were reviewed to determine the
best approach to reducing the noise generated by test operations.
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ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT FOR CONTINUED TRAINING AT AVON PARK AIR FORCE
RANGE, FLORIDA:
AAC staff members prepared an environmental assessment
for continued training at Avon Park Air Force Range (AFR), Florida.
Noise-generating activities associated with Avon Park AFR include
aircraft and helicopter operations in military training airspace,
restricted areas, military operations areas (MOA), and military training
routes (MTR). In addition, noise generated by Army large caliber guns
and demolition charges at the artillery ranges were investigated.
Computer modeling was performed with NOISEMAP to evaluate the sound
exposure level (SEL) generated by aircraft overflights. Using the
results from previous noise studies conducted for Avon Park AFR
operations, and the computed SEL data, the noise and impact associated
with the existing, future project, and project alternatives were
evaluated.
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PROPOSED MISSION REALIGNMENT, MACDILL AFB,
TAMPA, FLORIDA: AAC staff prepared an environmental assessment to
address and analyze the environmental effects of the realignment and
relocation of aircraft to MacDill Air Force Base (AFB), FL. Under the
proposed action for this project, the USAF would relocate the 43rd Air
Refueling Group (43 ARG) and its 12 KC-135 R aircraft with associated
personnel to MacDill AFB. As part of this study, a noise analysis was
conducted using the Air Force’s NOISEMAP noise prediction model. The
potential noise generated by flight operations and engine run-ups for
the existing condition and proposed action were analyzed and the
associated contours were plotted. All nearby sensitive receptors were
identified and sleep disturbance levels were calculated at various sites
for all major aircraft operations. Noise effects at sensitive receptors
in the surrounding areas were analyzed to identify any possible
incompatible land use.
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ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT (EIS) FOR THE
RELOCATION OF THE KC-135 COMBAT CREW TRAINING SCHOOL, ALTUS AFB,
OKLAHOMA: AAC’s staff assisted in the preparation of an EIS for
relocation of the KC-135 Combat Crew Training School to Altus AFB,
Oklahoma. The studies associated with this EIS included noise impact
analysis for all aircraft operations at four different airports
associated with the project: Midland International Airport, Texas, Will
Rogers World Airport, Oklahoma, Tulsa International Airport, Oklahoma,
and Clinton Sherman Airport, Oklahoma. All four airports were visited to
collect the number of operations for fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft. In
addition, the information about flight profiles, speeds, engine thrust
settings, flight tracks, and other relevant data were collected. The
engine run-up pads were identified and information about duration and
type of run-ups was gathered. The baseline and the project noise
contours were developed using the Air Force’s NOISEMAP noise prediction
model and INM base files. All nearby sensitive receptors were identified
and sleep disturbance levels were calculated at various sites for all
major aircraft operations. Additionally, detailed analyses were
accomplished to determine the ability of Altus AFB and the four
airfields (and the airspace surrounding them) to support the aircraft
operations requirements associated with the proposed and other actions.
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ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT FOR THE SPECIALIZED
UNDERGRADUATE PILOT TRAINING (SUPT) REDISTRIBUTION, RANDOLPH AFB, TEXAS:
AAC staff prepared an EA for SUPT Redistribution to Randolph AFB,
Columbus AFB, Vance AFB, and Laughlin AFB from Reese AFB. The studies
associated with this EA included noise impact analysis for all aircraft
operations at the four Air Force bases and different airports that are
used by the training aircraft that are associated with the project.
These airports are located in the states of Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas,
Mississippi, Alabama, and Louisiana. All four airbases and 11 airports
were visited to collect the number of operations for fixed- and
rotary-wing aircraft. In addition, the information about flight
profiles, speeds, engine thrust settings, flight tracks, and other
relevant data were collected. The engine run-up pads were identified and
information about duration and type of run-ups was gathered. The
baseline and the project noise contours were developed using the FAA’s
INM model, the Air Force’s NOISEMAP and ROUTEMAP noise prediction models
for near airfields and MTRs, respectively. All nearby sensitive
receptors were identified and sleep disturbance levels were calculated
at various sites for all major aircraft operations.
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ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT FOR THE DISPOSAL
AND REUSE OF HOMESTEAD AFB, FLORIDA: AAC’s staff members prepared the
noise sections of an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the
disposal and reuse of Homestead AFB. The NOISEMAP computer model was
used to determine the noise impacts from various alternatives at future
years. All nearby sensitive receptors were identified and sleep
disturbance levels were calculated at various sites for all major
aircraft operations. Surface traffic noise levels were also calculated
at the sensitive locations adjacent to all major roads. Detailed studies
were accomplished to determine any airspace and airfield operations
impacts that could arise from the planned reuse of the base as a joint
use public-military airport.
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INSTALLATION COMPATIBLE USE ZONE (ICUZ) FOR FORT
DRUM ARMY INSTALLATION, NEW YORK: AAC’s staff members worked with
Harland Bartholomew and Associates, and prepared an Installation
Compatible Use Zone for Fort Drum military installation, New York. The
potential impacts on land adjacent to the installation were assessed for
noise and accident potential zones. The Air Force’s NOISEMAP computer
noise model was used to determine the noise impacts from fixed- and
rotary-wing aircraft operations on the airfield and training areas.
Noise contours for the installation’s aircraft operations, including
airfield and training areas, were developed. Separate contours were
developed for the fort’s scorable air-to-ground gunnery range that is
used heavily by Air National Guard F-16 and A-10 aircraft. Based on the
noise contours, land use guidelines were recommended for the surrounding
communities to minimize potential impacts.
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MCAS MIRAMAR TOP GUN ACADEMY SOUND INSULATION,
MIRAMAR, CALIFORNIA: AAC’s staff members conducted ambient noise
monitoring of jet aircraft operations at Miramar Air Station’s Top Gun
Academy to evaluate the existing noise environment within the
classrooms. A computer model was generated to evaluate building shell
upgrades to reduce noise within the classrooms and the noise exposure of
students, flight instructors, and staff. The noise technical study
recommended acoustical treatments to improve noise insulation to reduce
maximum noise levels generated by aircraft run-ups and fly-overs.
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ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT FOR THE RELOCATION OF
C-12 AND C-21 AIRCRAFT AND FLYING TRAINING PROGRAMS, KEESLER AFB,
MISSISSIPPI, AND MAXWELL AFB, ALABAMA: AAC staff members conducted a
noise impact analysis included preparing noise contours and determining
noise levels at specific sensitive receptor locations for six different
airports. Keesler and Maxwell are Air Force Bases, Lawson Air Field is
an Army installation, Gulfport-Biloxi and Dannelly Field are civilian
airports with extensive joint operations with Air National Guard
aircraft, and Mobile Airport is used by civilian aircraft and the Coast
Guard. All six facilities were visited to collect the number of
operations for fix-wing and rotary aircraft. In addition, the
information about flight profiles, speeds, engine thrust settings,
flight tracks, and other relevant data were collected. The engine run-up
pads were identified and information about duration and type of run-ups
was gathered. The Air Force noise prediction computer model, NOISEMAP,
in conjunction with the FAA’s INM noise model were used to generate
baseline and the project noise contours. Noise impacts were evaluated
using additional acreage impacted by the C-12 and C-21 aircraft and
flyover noise levels calculated at each specific receptor location.
In-depth analyses were accomplished to determine the ability of either
Keesler AFB or Maxwell AFB and the four airfields, as well as the
airspace surrounding them, to support the aircraft operations associated
with the proposed, alternative, and other actions.
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