In article .com,
says...


Now my question is why people complain about light aircraft noise while
there are hordes of cars and bikes that make a lot more noise?



First off, noise measurements, in Decibels, are meaningless unless the
measurement conditions, specifically the spectral weighting and the
distance from the source are expressed along with the dB number. You
airplane, on takeoff, directly under the departure end of the runway
emits a sound pressure level much higher than 69db/A.

Moreover, you plane continues to emit its 69 dB or more in areas where
people thought they were sheltered from intrusive, urban noise. Way out
in the country - the middle of a forest - the desert - even a remote
island. People view this noise as unnecessary. Highway noise, though
there may be abuses, is considered necessary, because people need to get
where they're going. Large aircraft noise is also considered necessary,
though this does not prevent some people (who chose to move there) from
complaining. Lawnmowers may be much louder than small airport noise in
suburban areas, but they too are considered necessary. Small airplanes,
on the other hand, are commonly perceived as serving the sole purpose of
gratification for their owners and pilots.

Studies in urbanism have shown us that the noises which create the
greatest irritation are those where the noisemaker is "getting kicks".
Constant noise from a major airport, rail exchange or highway may cause
fatigue and irritation over the long term, but the kid racing his dirt
bike at the end of the street is likely to get a bloody nose after an
hour. Or the kids with the boom box on the porch across the street. Your
airplane, to many people, fits in this category. A rich kid's toy,
drilling holes in everyone else's head.

As pilots, I believe we have much to lose in failing to recognize any
legitimacy in people's noise complaints. To date, we have had many
victories using the "airport was here first" argument, along with the
FAA's strong defense of the federal nature of airspace in eminent domain
issues. But this success will not continue forever, if pilots continue
to "shove it in the face" of the complainers. A few smart, well moneyed
lawyers in the pack, and some decisions will start going the other way.
There is much more to gain in continuing to fight, certainly, but in
respect of good neighbor practices. This begins with simply steering
clear of populated areas and more isolated gatherings, when possible.
Meeting with the community groups helps as well - putting a human face
on the pilot community, as well as spreading information - Many
complainers do not recognize that pattern work is a necessary and
essential activity. (No more planes in the pattern = no more airline
pilots to fly them cheaply to Mexico on that vacation they're planning).
The airport users should also nurture good relations with the local
chamber of commerce, and promote understanding of the economic
importance of the airport. Sometimes noise abatement procedures and
pattern modifications can be worked out, which not only reduce noise
over that lawyer's house, but give a sense of dialog and cooperation.

Simply treating the complainers as whining hysterics will prove to be a
losing argument.

G Faris