Fly quiet program

 Wisdom from MWAA?

• Weight has no impact on the amount of noise an aircraft generates.  However, heavy aircraft require more power to take-off and climb than a lighter aircraft.  This results in more noise being heard on the ground for two reasons, 1) the higher power setting and 2) a slower rate of climb and/or lower altitude. [Editors note: seems contradictory] 

• A light aircraft that uses a heavy aircraft power setting produces the same amount of noise but would be at a higher altitude at all points along the departure path resulting in less noise on the ground due to a steeper climb angle/higher altitude. 

• Heavy aircraft require more thrust to maintain the same descent angle as a lighter aircraft, so the higher power setting does produce more noise than a lower power setting on arrival.  And, because the altitude is the same on approach no matter the weight, more noise is heard on the ground. 

• FAA AC Part36 3-H does document increases in noise levels at higher weight because the noise is measured at defined points.

• Additional beyond perimeter flights must be heavier (more fuel) than inside perimeter flights (which we also oppose) and one of MWAA's opposition points to these efforts is the corresponding increase in aircraft noise experienced by area residents. [Editor note: Congress recently approved additional 10 flights beyond the perimeter which will use heavier Boeing 737 Max aircraft]