Aviation and the environmental noise directive: an analysis of difficulties and gaps in the implementation

Abstract

Following various studies and consultation exercises, the enforcement of the 2002/49/EC Directive brings some additional technical work for the aviation sector. Some EU countries consider it a relatively minor adaptation of the noise mapping already made for the major airports, while other have problems in finding the right methodology. The current debate amongst aviation noise experts is more on how aircraft noise should be assessed rather than how to predict it. The paper will focus on aviation and END relation, as: – benchmark of aircraft noise mapping methods; – aircraft noise and performance database; – data collection; – implication of Doc 29, and – the use of measurements in noise mapping. An airport case-study will be illustrated, the implication of the competent authorities in process of making action plans, involving aviation, will also be mentioned. The paper concludes with identifying gaps and lesson learnt from this expert judgment exercise.