Noise Abatement Best Practices for Flight Crews

Pilots should always be mindful of noise impacts at airports. Even the “quietest” modern aircraft may disturb those that live near the airport. Care should be taken to minimize the aircraft’s noise profile whenever possible by utilizing noise abatement best practices at all airports, especially during night-time and early-morning hours when aircraft operations may be especially disturbing.

• During the flight-planning process, flight crews should familiarize themselves with the airport’s noise abatement policies and any applicable noise abatement procedures (NAPs) for the airport they will be using. These may include:
  • Preferential runway use
  • Preferential approach and departure paths
  • Preferred terminal arrival and departure procedures for noise abatement
  • Other noise-related policies (maximum noise limits, curfews, usage of reverse thrust, engine run-up policies, etc.)
• Contact the airport’s Noise Management or Operations department for more information on local noise policies and procedures.
• When available, pilots should utilize their company’s recommended departure/arrival NAPs or those recommended by the aircraft manufacturer for their specific aircraft.
• Pilots should be aware that flight safety and ATC instructions and procedures always have priority over any NAP. NAPs should be executed in the safest manner possible and within all FAA-mandated operating requirements.
• Proper pre-departure and pre-arrival crew briefings are essential to ensuring the safe and effective execution of NAPs.
• When airport or aircraft-specific procedures are unavailable, NBAA provides recommended noise abatement procedures suitable for any aircraft type and airport operating environment.