Projects - Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
Supporting the United Nations in International Aviation Policies, Ongoing
AEDT tools have been used to conduct environmental assessments within the International Civil Aviation Organization's (ICAO) Committee on Aviation Environmental Protection (CAEP) as well as the United Nation's Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). AEDT is used to evaluate operational, technology, and policy scenarios for local air quality, greenhouse gas emissions, fuel burn, and noise.
The Volpe Center supports FAA in the role of co-rapporteur of the Modelling and Databases Task Force (MODTF) within the ICAO/CAEP. In this role, the Volpe Center supports coordination of environmental modelling efforts across multiple organizations from around the globe to assess trends, stringencies, and tradeoffs in emissions, noise, and economics in order to inform international policy.
Integrated Noise Model, Ongoing
FAA's Integrated Noise Model (INM) is a computer model that evaluates potential aircraft noise impacts in the vicinity of airports. Volpe provides coding, research, testing, data verification and validation, and technical support for FAA's INM. 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, fuel burn 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, Ongoing
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 performs aircraft source data measurements on aircraft as part of its continual update of the FAA's Integrated Noise Model (INM) database. Representative and updated aircraft noise data in the INM is crucial for a solid noise analysis. The aircraft are selected based upon a review of existing data sources, the appropriateness of substitution data, and then prioritized based on Air Tour Management Plan (ATMP) program needs. 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.
Three aircraft were recently measured. 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 ATMPs.
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 Plan (ATMP) Measurement Studies, 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 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 several parks in which ATMPs are being developed: Death Valley National Park (shown), Cape Hatteras National Seashore, Biscayne National Park, and Big Cypress National Preserve. These studies utilized specially designed low-level measurement systems deployed at multiple sites within each park and collected continuous sound level data over a period of several weeks.
Sponsors: FAA Western Pacific Region, NPS Natural Sounds Program Office
Air Tour Management Plan (ATMP) Modeling, Ongoing
In support of the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) Western-Pacific Region and the National Park Service's (NPS) Natural Sounds Program Office, the Volpe Center's Acoustics and Air Quality Facilities are performing computer modeling in the development of Air Tour Management Plans (ATMPs) for all National Parks with commercial air tours. The FAA and NPS determined that Version 6.2 of the FAA's Integrated Noise Model (INM) is the appropriate noise model to use to analyze the sound environment and compute the various noise metrics for use in the assessment of potential noise impacts at ATMP parks. The assessment of noise impacts requires not only an accurate assessment of the ambient environment, but also the noise sources within that environment. As it is neither economically nor expeditiously feasible to manually collect data under all possible conditions at every National Park and only through computer modeling will it be possible to assess the complete acoustical environment within each Park.
Sponsors: FAA Western Pacific Region, NPS Natural Sounds Program Office
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 Impact Statement, which amongst other things, will examine the noise impact associated with these alternatives.
Sponsors: FAA Western Pacific Region and Office of Environment and Energy, NPS Grand Canyon National Park
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
