Projects - Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
Integrated Noise Model (INM), Ongoing
Volpe provides coding, research and support for FAA's INM, a software tool for predicting aircraft noise levels. For detailed information on INM, see the FAA INM web site. INM is a part of the FAA's Aviation Design Tool (AEDT).
Sponsor: FAA, Office of Environment and Energy
Assessment of existing aircraft performance methodologies for inclusion in EDMS, Ongoing
The FAA's Integrated Noise Model (INM) maintains a comprehensive aircraft performance module. The INM module undergoes periodic enhancements and expansion. As the INM module is enhanced and updated, appropriate data and algorithms will be incorporated into FAA's EDMS. Volpe is currently working to include a dynamic aircraft profile generator into EDMS, similar to that which is currently in the INM, but updated based on current research activity. For detailed information on EDMS, see the FAA EDMS web site. EDMS is a part of the FAA’s Aviation Environmental Design Tool (AEDT).
Sponsor: FAA, Office of Environment and Energy
Aviation Environmental Design Tool (AEDT), Ongoing
The FAA’s Aviation Environmental Design Tool (AEDT) comprises the integration of existing and new aviation noise and emissions analytical modules to provide an integrated capability of assessing interrelationships between noise and emissions, and amongst emissions at the local and global levels. This critically needed capability will support domestic and global policymakers, as well as detailed, airport level analysis. AEDT is part of a larger environmental tools suite, which includes the Environmental Design Space (EDS) and the Aviation environmental Portfolio Management Tool (APMT). Volpe provides technical, integration and project management leadership in the development of AEDT, which is a multi-year effort being supported by several organizations.
Sponsor: FAA, Office of Environment and Energy
INM Database Upgrade 2006 & 2007
In support of the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Western-Pacific Region and Office of Environment and Energy and the National Park Service’s (NPS) Natural Sounds Program Office, Volpe Acoustics performed aircraft source data measurements on 5 aircraft not currently in the FAA’s Integrated Noise Model (INM) database. These 5 aircraft are currently flown by 27 air tour operators over 93 national parks with approximately 35,000 flights annually. Measurements were performed using a differential Global Positioning System (dGPS) for precise equipment placement and tracking aircraft location. The dGPS tracking data will be synchronized with the acoustic and meteorological data to develop noise-power-distance curves that will be used by the INM to model air tour noise in the development of Air Tour Management Plans (ATMPs). The objective of the ATMPs is to develop acceptable and effective measures to mitigate or prevent significant adverse impacts from the air tours on the natural and cultural resources, visitor experiences, and tribal lands within the national parks.
Sponsors: FAA Western Pacific Region and Office of Environment and Energy, NPS Natural Sounds Program Office
Expanded East Coast Plan (EECP), 1991
In support of the FAA, Volpe Acoustics performed round-the-clock community noise measurements at 11 New Jersey sites, utilizing digital Sound Level Meters mounted on school rooftops and utility poles for a period of seven days during the summer of 1991. The purpose of the measurements was to perform a reasonableness checkout on a derivative version of FAA's INM, which was being used for assessing the EECP.
Sponsors: FAA, Office of Environment and Energy
FAA, Office of Air Traffic Airspace Management Program
Helicopter Noise Measurements, 1996
In 1996, the newly-formed National Rotorcraft Technology Center (NRTC) sponsored a helicopter noise research program. On behalf of the FAA, Volpe Acoustics participated in this program along with NASA and industry representatives, Sikorsky and McDonell Douglas Helicopter (now part of BOEING Rotorcraft,) to evaluate helicopter noise abatement approach procedures. An array of approximately 50 microphones was deployed over a large area at NASA Ames' Crow's Landing facility near Modesto, California. Concurrent with the approach procedures testing, the study included comparison testing of Differential Global Positioning Systems (DGPS) with the facility's Laser tracking system. Additionally, Volpe performed noise measurements of the McDonnell-Douglas MD-900 NOTAR helicopter during an FAA Noise Certification test.
Sponsors: FAA, Office of Environment and Energy
/ National Rotorcraft Technology Center
Grand Canyon and Bryce Canyon Dose Response Studies, 1997-2000
In response to the President's Initiative on aircraft noise in the National Parks, the FAA with support from Volpe Acoustics performed noise dose/visitor response studies at various sites in Grand Canyon and Bryce Canyon National Parks.
Aircraft noise in the parks has become a sensitive issue due to the increased number of air tour operations in recent years. This study was undertaken to try to correlate aircraft noise levels with visitor annoyance. Specially-designed low-level measurement systems were deployed at multiple sites in both parks. Concurrent with continuous noise level measurements and noise-source identification logging, visitor surveys were conducted by Chilton-Intersearch (formerly Chilton Research), a well-known and highly-regarded survey firm.
Sponsor: FAA, Office of Environment and Energy
Southern Florida Ambient Noise Measurements, 1998
In support of FAA's preparation of a Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS) regarding the conversion of Homestead Air Reserve Base to a civilian facility, Volpe Acoustics performed an exhaustive ambient noise measurement study in the surrounding area, including four nationally-owned properties: Biscayne National Park, Everglades National Park, Big Cypress National Preserve, and Crocodile Lake National Wildlife Refuge. Three teams performed over 160 hours of measurements at 29 sites over a period of 14 days.
Sponsors: FAA, Office of Environment and Energy
FAA, Office of Airport Planning and Programming
XV-15 Tiltrotor Noise Measurements, 1998
At Bell-Textron's invitation, and in support of FAA, Volpe Acoustics performed certification-type noise measurements of the XV-15 Tiltrotor prototype at Bell's Waxahatchie, Texas research site. In addition to the standard 4-foot high microphones at centerline and sideline locations, Volpe also deployed a microphone on a ten-meter mast and several different ground-plane microphone configurations at centerline. Although weather conditions prevented completion of all scheduled measurements, a significant amount of data was collected and is being evaluated.
Sponsor: FAA, Office of Environment and Energy
National Urban Helicopter Noise Study Greater New York Measurements July 2000
The Volpe Center is supporting the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Office of Environment and Energy (AEE) in the conductance of comprehensive noise measurement and modeling studies. A Congressionally mandated helicopter noise study under Section 747 of H.R. 1000, the Wendall H. Ford Aviation Investment and Reform Act for the 21st Century states that the Secretary shall conduct a study: (1) on the effects of nonmilitary helicopter noise on individuals in densely populated areas in the continental United States; and (2) to develop recommendations for the reduction of the effects of nonmilitary helicopter noise. In response to this requirement, staff members of the Center's Acoustics Faility conducted field measurements in N.J.'s Liberty State Park. Noise measurements were also performed at one of the New York City downtown heliports (right next to Wall Street).
Sponsors: FAA, Office of Environment and Energy
Air Tour Management Plans (ATMP), Ongoing
Congress passed the National Parks Air Tour Management Act of 2000 (the Act) to regulate commercial air tour operations over units of the National Park System. The Volpe Center's Acoustics and Air Quality Facilities are supporting the Federal Aviation Administration, Western Pacific Region, and working cooperatively with the National Park Service, in the development of Air Tour Management Plans (ATMPs) for all National Parks with commercial air tours. The objective of the ATMPs is to develop acceptable and effective measures to mitigate or prevent significant adverse impacts from the air tours on the natural and cultural resources, visitor experiences, and tribal lands within the Parks.
Approximately 100 park units will need ATMPs developed. A major component of establishing noise impacts is the determination of representative baseline sound levels, or ambient levels for each park. The Volpe Center recently performed ambient sound level measurements at the first two parks in which ATMPs are being developed: Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and Haleakala National Park. These studies utilized specially designed low-level measurement systems deployed at multiple sites in both parks and collected continuous sound level data over a period of several months.
Sponsor: FAA, Western Pacific Region
Grand Canyon Noise Modeling, Ongoing
National parks are unique national resources that have been provided under special protection by law. The National Park Service (NPS) and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) recognize that noise from commercial air tours and other flights over units of the national park system can adversely impact park resources, values, and visitor experience. In Public Law 100-91, Congress required the NPS to submit recommendations to FAA that would "provide for substantial restoration of the natural quiet experience" at the Grand Canyon National Park (GCNP). Consequently, the FAA in cooperation with the NPS, and in consultation with the many parties that have a vested interest in GCNP, e.g., the resident Native Americans, is examining alternatives to the current airspace and air scheduling procedures. As part of this effort Volpe Acoustics is providing INM noise modeling in support of preparation of an Environmental Assessment, which amongst other things, will examine the noise impact associated with these alternatives.
Sponsor: FAA, Office of Environment and Energy
FAA, Office of Air Traffic Airspace Management
Noise Certification Validation, Ongoing
On behalf of the FAA, Volpe Acoustics performs comprehensive validation of hardware, software and methodology used by aircraft noise certification applicants. This process promotes consistency in techniques, and ensures conformance with FAA requirements and regulations.
Sponsor: FAA, Office of Environment and Energy
