ww 2023 -
2018
Plan Action Action Noise Noise 02 Aberdeen International Airport Aberdeen International Airport 03
Contents Foreword by Roger Hunt Chief HR & Development Director 03 Foreword by Roger Hunt Executive Summary 04
Noise Action Purpose 06 Chief HR & Development Director
Noise Action Framework 08
Aircraft Noise and Its Effects 12 We provide an essential service to That is why we have introduced a Noise Management at Aberdeen International Airport 14 Aberdeen a host of different industries and comprehensive package of noise International sectors, whilst our share of the related measures over a number Results of the Noise Mapping 16 leisure market continues to grow. of years. In this Noise Action Plan Airport has Our facilities are always improving in we are proposing a number of Noise Action Plan at Aberdeen International Airport 17 line with our capital programme and additional noise related measures. been at the we work every day on improving the I want this plan to build upon this Evaluating Implementation 22 customer experience. success and continue our progress. heart of this Managing noise will only be achieved region for more Operating such an important national by effective partnerships, and I asset comes with responsibilities, am confident that this updated Appendix than 80 years. and in talking to our neighbouring Noise Action Plan provides a firm communities and other stakeholders, foundation to move forward. A Noise Contour Maps 23 I know that airport related noise is an important issue for many people. B Financial Information: Annual Running Costs 27 Managing noise effects is an integral part of how we grow the airport C Glossary 29 responsibly in a manner which balances the positive economic and social benefits of the airport and some of the more negative effects such as noise.
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Executive Summary “We recognise that This document sets out Aberdeen We recognise that noise from aircraft noise from aircraft Airport’s Noise Action Plan which operations can be an important issue aims to manage and, where for local communities. Minimising practical, reduce the adverse effects and mitigating the adverse effects operations can be an of aviation related noise. The of noise is an integral part of how preparation of a Noise Action Plan is we operate and grow the airport a requirement of the European Union responsibly. Importantly, the important issue for (EU) Environmental Noise Directive assessment of aviation noise and 2002/49/EU and The Environmental adverse effects has recently been Noise (Scotland) Regulations 2006. subject to significant changes in UK local communities. Aberdeen Airport has produced Government policy and we have this Noise Action Plan to update taken this into account in our Noise and replace the 2013-2018 Noise Action Plan. Minimising and Action Plan. The Noise Action Plan will be the subject of a six-week The airport has developed a package public consultation and, once of measures over a number of years mitigating the finalised following engagement with designed to minimise and mitigate stakeholders and communities, will the total adverse effects of noise. In adverse effects of operate from 2018-2023. updating our Noise Action Plan we are using the opportunity to take into This plan covers noise created account the latest research and policy noise is an integral by airside operations, aircraft on adverse effects of aviation noise. approaching to and departing from the airport, taxiing aircraft and part of how we engine testing carried out within the airport perimeter. The regulation of aircraft noise is relatively complex operate and with a number of decision-making bodies. A summary of the policy and regulatory framework is provided in grow the airport Section 4 to explain matters that we are directly responsible for and those responsibly.” matters that are out with our direct control and which we can therefore only influence.
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“Aberdeen During the Second World War taken these into consideration. If Noise Action the airport was primarily used you would like to take part in the International as a military air base. Oil-related consultation, you can do so by helicopter movements commenced writing to: Purpose Airport is in 1967 and the current main the gateway terminal and associated facilities Noise Action Plan Consultation were completed in 1977. The Aberdeen International Airport Ltd to Europe’s airport is redeveloping its main Dyce, terminal building, extending its Aberdeen 3.1 Purpose 3.2 Scope The airport serves approximately 3.1 energy capital square meterage by 50%. The AB21 7DU The purpose of the Noise Action Plan This Noise Action Plan complies million passengers every year and and the world’s redevelopment is a rolling three is to set out our plan to manage, with the European Union (EU) offers flights to over 40 destinations. year programme starting in 2016, Or by email to: and where practical, reduce the Environmental Noise Directive The airport is the world’s busiest busiest heliport. anticipated to complete June 2019. [email protected] adverse effects of aviation noise. 2002/49/EU (END) and associated UK commercial heliport, supporting This Noise Action Plan is an update government regulations. The airport the North Sea oil and gas industry Confidence is The public consultation will last a for to the 2013-2018 Noise Action operator (Aberdeen International to serve around 400,000 helicopter returning to 3.4 Consultation a total of six weeks Plan and, following a 6 week public Airport Limited) is deemed the passengers every year. The airport The launch of this noise action consultation and engagement with competent authority for preparing is operational 24 hours a day, 365 the region and plan will be followed by a public For details of the consultation, please stakeholders and communities, will the Noise Action Plan. Guidance from days per year for fixed wing flights. consultation. The final version of the see www.aberdeenairport.com/ operate from 2018-2023. UK government states that Noise Helicopters are allowed to operate we have clear Noise Action Plan will be published about-us/community-matters/ Action Plans should be designed from 0600 to 2230 hours. vision for the by the end of 2018 and incorporate noise/ At Aberdeen International Airport to manage noise issues and effects a record of consultation responses we recognise that aircraft noise arising from aircraft departing from With almost 3,400 jobs supported future, and the and how Aberdeen Airport has can be an important issue for local and arriving at the airport, including by the airport across the north-east, communities. Although aircraft noise reduction if necessary. Aberdeen International Airport is a confidence to noise cannot be eliminated, it vital economic driver for the region, can be managed responsibly. We Though other noise sources (such as contributing more than £110 million realise it.” support the Air Navigation Guidance ‘ground noise’ from airport activities) a year to the local economy. objective to limit and, where possible, are not required to be included, the reduce the number of people in the guidance suggests that this should The airport is located approximately UK significantly affected by adverse not preclude their inclusion. seven miles north west of Aberdeen impacts from aircraft noise. This city centre. It is bounded to the means balancing the positive social Our Noise Action Plan therefore also north and south by open farmland, and economic benefits of Aberdeen covers aircraft taxiing to and from to the west by Kirkhill Industrial Airport with any adverse effects on stands and engine testing carried out Estate and to the east by the local communities. within the airport perimeter. village of Dyce. The airport is the north east of Scotland’s principal This Noise Action Plan therefore transport gateway and it performs sets out our plan to manage and, 3.3 Airport Description a critical function in Aberdeen’s role where practical, reduce the adverse Aberdeen International Airport is as Europe’s energy capital. Indeed, effects of aircraft related noise. It the gateway to Europe’s energy supporting this thriving industry has builds upon years of progress in capital and the world’s busiest turned Aberdeen into the busiest developing mitigation measures in heliport. Confidence is returning to commercial heliport in Europe. consultation with our neighbours and the region and we have clear vision The history of Aberdeen airport dates stakeholders. for the future, and the confidence to from 1934, when land at Dyce was realise it. acquired for the development of a public aerodrome.
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Noise Action The four principal elements Framework
The management of aircraft approach to managing aircraft noise noise standard with increased noise relies heavily on National known as the ‘Balanced Approach’. stringency (Chapter 14) is in force and International initiatives and The Balanced Approach aims to for high-weight aircraft with the new 1 reduction 2 land-use 3 noise 4 operating regulation imposed by: address noise management in an standard becoming effective for low of noise at planning and abatement restrictions on environmentally responsive and weight aircraft from 2020. • The International Civil Aviation economically responsible way, and source management operational aircraft Organization (ICAO); encompasses four principal elements: procedures • The European Union; 4.2 European Union • The UK Government; 1 reduction of noise at source; There are several European Union • The Scottish Government; 2 land-use planning and directives and regulations that apply • Local authorities; and management; to the regulation of aircraft noise. • Aberdeen International 3 noise abatement operational Airport itself. procedures; and • EC Directive 92/14/EEC banned 4 operating restrictions on Chapter 2 aircraft from landing in aircraft. the EU from 1st April 2002. • Regulation (EU) No.598/2014 introduce mitigation and noise CAA on its environmental objectives 4.1 The icao and the ‘balanced of the European Parliament and control measures. The 2013 Aviation when carrying out its air navigation approach’ Our Noise Action Plan embraces • EC Directive 2002/30 introduced of the Council of 16 April 2014 Policy Framework (APF) set out functions, and to the CAA and The International Civil Aviation the Balanced Approach and the discretionary powers to restrict on the establishment of rules the challenges of noise control at wider industry on airspace and noise Organisation (ICAO) is a specialised plan outlined in Section 8 adopts the operation of marginally and procedures with regard to airports, and noted the Government’s management. Importantly the AP agency of the United Nations, this format. Aircraft operating in compliant Chapter 3 aircraft, the introduction of noise related recognition of the Balanced sets out a range of new proposals created to promote the safe and member states must conform to provided circumstances support operating restrictions at union Approach principle of aircraft noise that the Government will implement orderly development of international these standards, which are known this measure. The directive airports within a Balanced management. More recently, the that are relevant to the Noise Action civil aviation throughout the world. as ‘Chapters’. The Chapters set also requires the adoption of the Approach and repealing Directive UK Government has published, and Plan: It sets standards and regulations maximum acceptable noise levels for ICAO Balanced Approach to Noise 2002/30/EC. consulted on, its Airspace Policy necessary for aviation safety, different aircraft under specific test Management and the publication (AP) framework. The Government’s • Changes to aviation noise security, efficiency and regularity, as conditions. Chapter 2 aircraft have of an environmental noise consultation response on the AP compensation policy; well as for aviation environmental been banned from the EU since 1st objective for the airport. 4.3 UK Government provides an update to the some of • The creation of an Independent protection. After a Standard is April 2002, unless they are granted The UK Government plays an the policies on aviation noise outlined Commission on Civil Aviation adopted it is put into effect by specific exemptions. • EC Directive 2002/49 (known as important role in setting policy for in the APF and should be viewed Noise (ICCAN); and each ICAO member state in its own the ‘Environmental Noise aviation noise management. The as current Government policy. The • New metrics and appraisal territories. The vast majority of civil aircraft Directive’) requires member Civil Aviation Acts of 1982 and Government has also published guidance to assess noise impacts now operating therefore fall within states to publish noise maps and 2006 granted the UK Government the Air Navigation Guidance 2017 and their impacts on health and ICAO recognises that aircraft noise Chapters 3 and 4, i.e. they have noise management action plans and its airports the power to which provides guidance to the quality of life. is the most significant cause of a smaller noise footprint than the for major airports (more than adverse community reaction related previous Chapter 2 aircraft. All new 50,000 movements a year) every to the operation and expansion aircraft manufactured from 2006 5 years. of airports and it requires all of its onwards must meet the requirements member states to adhere to an of Chapter 4. From 2017, a new
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4.3.1 Changes to aviation noise Thresholds for noise assessment are compensation policy defined in current government policy The Government has proposed a in terms of the Lowest Observable number of changes to aviation noise Adverse Effect Level (LOAEL). The compensation policy in order to LOAEL is the level above which improve fairness and transparency. adverse effects on health and quality We support these proposals and of life can be detected. Current “a pragmatic approach have taken them into account in the policy proposes a Lowest Observable development of our Noise Insulation Adverse Effect Level (LOAEL) of 51 to the location of new Scheme. dBLAeq,16hr based on the most recent large-scale research study in the UK on aircraft noise (Survey development within 4.3.2 The independent of Noise Attitudes 2014: Aviation, commission on civil aviation noise SoNA). The Government has proposed the vicinity of existing the creation of an Independent Commission on Civil Aviation 4.4 Scottish government Noise (ICCAN). ICCAN will be The Environmental Noise (Scotland) noise generating responsible for creating, compiling Regulations 2006 transpose and and disseminating best practice implement the Environmental Noise to the aviation industry on the Directive (2002/49/EC). The Planning uses to ensure that management of civil aviation noise Advice Note 1/2001: Planning and and will be responsible for advising Noise provides advice on the role of quality of life is government in this area. We support the planning system in helping to these proposals and will carefully prevent and limit the adverse effects consider any best practice guidance of noise, including “a pragmatic not unreasonably published by ICCAN that is relevant approach to the location of new to Aberdeen International Airport. development within the vicinity of existing noise generating uses affected and that to ensure that quality of life is not 4.3.3 New metrics and appraisal unreasonably affected and that new guidance for assessing noise development continues to support new development impacts sustainable economic growth”. Long term exposure to environmental noise such as road, rail and aircraft continues to support noise can lead to impacts on health and quality of life. This is recognised and addressed in noise policy which sustainable economic aims to avoid, mitigate and minimise the adverse impacts of noise in growth.” health, in the context of sustainable development.
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Aircraft Noise air noise and Its Effects
5.1 Introduction to aircraft noise they park), including holding; quantify sound is essential to Broadly speaking, aircraft noise can • Aircraft at their stands with their managing the noise challenge. Aircraft be categorised in two parts: air noise auxiliary power units (APU) There is not a single metric that and ground noise. running; and meets all needs for assessing, quantifying or communicating noise noise can be • Engine testing. Ground noise effects and there is a need to use 5.1.1 Aircraft ‘air noise’ impacts tend to be limited to those a number of different metrics. For Air noise from aircraft is generally areas closest to the airfield where example, some metrics are better categorised in caused by air passing over the they can be more prominent correlated with health effects, whilst aircraft’s airframe (fuselage, wings relative to air noise. other metrics can be more useful for and underframe) and noise from communicating and understanding two parts... the engines. When air passes over Engine testing is an essential part impacts, or for use in performance the airframe it causes friction and of airport operations. Engines need management monitoring. The key turbulence which results in noise. to be tested for safety reasons, and metrics used in the Noise Action Plan Engine noise is created by the sound engine running forms part of the are summarised below. of the engine’s moving parts and maintenance programme for aircraft. by the sound of air being expelled We understand that this noise can from the engines at high speeds. cause disturbance to residents closest 5.2.1 The laeq,t (equivalent The degree of noise generated varies to the airfield and therefore we continuous sound level) metric ground noise according to aircraft type and size. adopt measures to reduce the impact There are a range of metrics which Aircraft manufactured today are on the community. We do not allow are used to describe sound and generally much quieter than they engine testing during the night, inform policy relating to aircraft, rail have been in the past and the ICAO unless required due to exceptional and construction noise. The most set increasingly stringent certification circumstances. common international measure Night-time aircraft noise is most night-time noise can lead to quite evening (19:00 to 23:00) and a 10 standards for aircraft noise emissions. of noise is the LAeq, meaning typically measured over an 8 hour different effects (principally daytime dB(A) penalty to noise during the As a result, the aircraft fleet at ‘equivalent continuous sound level’. night period (23:00 to 07:00). The annoyance and night-time sleep night (23:00 to 07:00), reflecting Aberdeen International Airport are 5.2 Measuring and assessing This is a measurement of the total average noise exposure is commonly disturbance) and thus it is better to relatively higher sensitivity to noise becoming increasingly quieter. aircraft noise sound energy over a period of time. calculated for the 92 day summer define and measure daytime and during these periods. Lden is Measuring sound and describing its It is easiest to think of this as an period from June 16th to September night-time noise separately. frequently used to quantify aircraft impacts or effects is an inherently average, but important to note that 5th. The summer day period is used noise in Europe as it was adopted 5.1.2 Aircraft ‘ground noise’ complex process. Some individuals all the sound energy in the time because people are more likely to as a common environmental noise Ground noise is any noise produced find noise more disruptive than period is captured by this metric. have their windows open or be 5.2.2 The lden (day evening night indicator for the European Union in by aircraft whilst on the ground and others. Any attempt to define In the UK, daytime aircraft noise is outdoors, and because aviation equivalent sound level) metric the Environmental Noise Directive is often related to the following and measure sound, particularly typically measured by calculating the activity is generally at its most The day evening night equivalent (2002/49/EC) for road, rail and activities: as a single number, therefore has equivalent continuous sound level in intense during the summer periods. sound level (Lden) noise metric is a industrial sources as well as aircraft limitations, and cannot fully capture decibels (dB) over 16 hours (07:00 Separate assessment for day and 24 hour noise metric that applies a noise. It is typically calculated over a • Aircraft travelling (taxiing) between the spectrum of personal experiences to 23:00) to give a single daily figure night recognises that daytime and 5 dB(A) penalty to noise during the full calendar year. the runway and stands (where of noise. However, seeking to (LAeq,16hr).
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AIA in numbers Noise Management at Aberdeen International Airport 80yrs 3400+ More than 80 years, The airport Aberdeen International Airport has line with the latest developments in noise effects. We are also considering providing vital supports in excess been an integral part of the social policy and research relating to noise installing Fixed Electrical Ground connectivity for people and economic welfare of Aberdeen and health. Power (FEGP) systems at many of 3,400 jobs. and the north east of Scotland aircraft parking stands to minimise for over 40 years and in the heart the need for the use of noisier of the region for more than 80 6.1 Aircraft technology Auxiliary Power Units (APUs). years, providing vital connectivity Modern aircraft are now significantly for people, goods and services; as quieter than the first generation As well as the benefits provided by a business it supports in excess of of jet aircraft, and the ICAO are the airport, we also recognise that 3,400 jobs. As well as the benefits setting progressively tighter noise aircraft noise can be an important 6.3 Noise insulation and The policy now requires financial 6.5 Working with local provided by the airport, we also certification standards for new issue for local communities. Although land-use planning assistance to be offered towards communities recognise that aircraft noise can aircraft. the noise generated by the airport We engage directly with local the noise insulation of residential We operate a dedicated be an important issue for local cannot be eliminated, it can be planning authorities to ensure properties in the 63dBLAeq, 16h noise complaints site www. communities. Although the noise managed responsibly. We support awareness of aircraft operations is noise contour or above. Therefore, aberdeenairport.com/about- generated by the airport cannot 6.2 Quieter operating procedures the UK Government’s objective to considered in the development of we are proposing to update our noise us/community-matters/noise/ be eliminated, it can be managed We have worked with airlines and minimise and where possible reduce sensitive land uses. We contribute insulation scheme to reflect these through which we log all complaints responsibly. our Air Navigation Services Provider the number of people affected by to local development plans and recent changes in aviation policy, see and seek to respond to 95% of to develop and implement a number aircraft noise, where it is sustainable monitor planning applications Section 8 for further details. complaints and enquiries within We support the UK Government’s of operating procedures which are to do so. within the vicinity of Aberdeen five working days. We publish our objective to minimise and where designed to reduce noise impacts. International Airport. We also actively performance against this target at possible reduce the number of Arriving aircraft are encouraged We engage directly with local contribute to improving aircraft noise 6.4 Operating restrictions the Airport Consultative Committee. people affected by aircraft noise, to adopt Continuous Descent planning authorities to ensure information in local planning policy The ICAO Balanced Approach and where it is sustainable to do so. This Operations (CDO) which involve awareness of aircraft operations is and seek to influence policy where EU Regulation 598 require us to The Aberdeen Airport Community means balancing the positive social aircraft maintaining a steady state considered in the development of appropriate. consider all other aspects of the Fund places priority on funding and economic benefits of Aberdeen of approach, rather than the more sensitive land uses. We contribute Balanced Approach (reduction projects linked to education, International Airport with any conventional stepped approach to local development plans and We currently operate a noise of noise at source; land-use the environment and economic adverse effects on local communities. which involves prolonged periods of monitor planning applications insulation scheme for residential planning and management; and regeneration – areas for which local level flight. CDO reduces noise as it within the vicinity of Aberdeen properties within the 66dBLAeq,16h noise abatement operational people tell us they most value trust This Noise Action Plan therefore requires less engine thrust and keeps International Airport. We also actively contour area. The Government’s procedures), before implementing support. Through our grants we aim: sets out our plan to manage and, aircraft higher for longer. contribute to improving aircraft noise current aviation policy is set out any operating restrictions. This where practical, reduce the adverse information in local planning policy in the Aviation Policy Framework ensures that the range of possible • To create learning opportunities effects of airport related noise. It On the ground, we restrict when and seek to influence policy where (APF). The policies set out within mitigation measures is considered for young people and so raise their builds upon years of progress in engine test runs can be carried appropriate. the Consultation Response on UK in a consistent way with a view to aspirations developing mitigation measures in out (they are not permitted during Airspace Policy provide a recent addressing noise impacts in the most • To break down barriers to consultation with our neighbours night-time hours, 22:30-06:00, update to some of the policies on cost-effective way. employment through skills and stakeholders. Importantly, this except in exceptional circumstances). aviation noise contained within the development Noise Action Plan introduces some The location of test runs is also APF, and is considered to represent • To help protect the environment significant updates and additions to controlled, and specific locations the current government policy. • To support airport staff active in our current mitigation measures, in have been identified to minimise the community.
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Results of Noise Action Plan at Noise Mapping Aberdeen International Airport
The tables below show the results of the 2016 noise mapping for Aberdeen International Airport. Action Performance Timescale Approximate number Maps showing the noise contours can also be found in Appendix A. Indicators of people
2016 Lden contours – estimated areas, populations and households Reduction of noise at source
Lden, dB(A) Area (km2) Population Households We will develop, publish and Percentage of Targets will be set n/a implement a policy prioritising airlines Chapter 4 aircraft for the proportion of > 55 17.7 16,150 7,300 operating Chapter 4 and Chapter 14 movements. Ch4 and Ch14 to be > 60 5.8 2,950 1,400 aircraft when introducing new business operating by specified to Aberdeen. dates. The targets > 65 2.1 200 100 and timescales will > 70 0.8 0 0 be defined following consultation with > 75 0.3 0 0 airlines.
2016 annual day LAeq,16hr contours – estimated areas, populations and households We will work with the airlines through Completion of Annual review. n/a our airline consultation process to annual review. LAeq,16hr, dB(A) Area (km2) Population Households review the landing fee differential to > 55 > 13.0* > 10,000* > 4,450* incentivise the use of quieter aircraft.
> 60 4.2 1,250 650 We will work with other helicopter Minutes of Annual review. 16,150 > 65 1.5 50 < 50 operating airports to understand and meetings and share best practice, to provide learning action list. > 70 0.6 0 0 opportunities for noise reduction at > 75 0.3 0 0 the airport.
*NB: the 55 dB(A) contour does not close so a definitive figure cannot be given. We will investigate the option of Successful 2019 installing Fixed Electrical Ground Power evaluation of data (FEGP) to reduce noise and air quality and implementation 2016 Lnight contours – estimated areas, populations and households impacts. of FEGP.
Lnight, dB(A) Area (km2) Population Households > 50 7.1 4,700 2,200 > 55 2.6 500 250 > 60 1.0 < 50 < 50 > 65 0.4 0 0 > 70 0.2 0 0
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Action Performance Timescale Approximate number Action Performance Timescale Approximate number Indicators of people Indicators of people
Land-use planning and management Noise abatement operational procedures
We will engage directly with local Number of planning Ongoing n/a We will promote adherence to the Percentage of Ongoing n/a planning authorities to ensure applications reviewed Arrivals Code of Practice (ACOP) approaching flights awareness of aircraft operations is and number of and in particular the achievement of achieving CDA. considered in the development of responses issued Continuous Descent Approaches (CDA) Report to FLOPSC and sensitive land uses. We will continue to to local planning and Continuous Climb Departure and airlines on their % contribute to local development plans authorities. (CCD) where possible through forums achievement. and monitor planning applications such as Flight Ops Safety Committee within the vicinity of Aberdeen and other communication events. International Airport. Continue to engage with our aviation Tracked updates. Ongoing We will develop and implement an Number of Noise Compensation Residential properties partners through FLOPSC to seek to updated Noise Insulation Policy to properties exposed Policy to be within the 63dBLAeq, improve adherence to noise standards. mitigate noise for residents most to noise within the developed 16h contour. affected by aircraft noise in line with 63dBLAeq,16h and completed We will continue to encourage aircraft Number, location Ongoing Communities within UK Airspace Policy. contour. within 12 months. operators to plan maintenance & duration of close proximity to schedules to avoid the need for engine runs. the airport. We will review helicopter noise routes Reduced noise 2020 Communities within ground running of engines at night. and flying procedures to maximise complaints. close proximity to We will continue to enforce our policy the reduction and impact of noise on the airport. that runs should not last longer than residential properties. 45 minutes. We will investigate any complaints received from ground We will actively contribute to improving Number of new Ongoing n/a running activity and revisit our policies aircraft noise information in local development plans if appropriate. planning policy and seek to influence reviewed and number policy where appropriate. We will of responses issue We will review the current locations Reduced noise 2020 Communities within encourage the use of good acoustic to local planning utilised for the ground running of complaints. close proximity to design to avoid and minimise adverse authorities. aircraft to reduce noise impact on the airport. impacts arising from the development local communities. of new noise sensitive buildings and encourage the adoption of the We will review our operational Tracking of procedures Ongoing principles advocated by the Professional procedures enhance our noise and changes. Practice Guidance: Planning & Noise – management systems including the New Residential Development. effectiveness of east side protocols ensuring aircraft safety is considered always.
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Action Performance Timescale Approximate number Indicators of people
Operating restrictions
Our Noise Action Plan is consistent with Tracking of Noise Ongoing n/a the ICAO Balanced Approach and EU Action Plan and Regulation 598, which requires mitigation measures. “We will continually operating restrictions to be considered only after other measures of the Balanced Approach have been exhausted review the and only where it is cost effective to do so. We will continually review the effectiveness of our effectiveness of our mitigation measures in the context of the balanced approach to ensure that mitigation is considered mitigation measures in a consistent way with a view to addressing noise impacts in the most cost-effective way. in the context of the balanced Working with local communities
We will discuss noise issues and report Number of meetings. Ongoing n/a approach to ensure on our progress against the Noise Action Plan under a standing agenda item of the Consultative Committee. that mitigation We will carefully consider any best Number of best Ongoing n/a is considered in a practice guidance published by ICCAN practice guidance on information and communication publications reviewed. requirements. consistent way We will continue to operate a Number of complaints Ongoing n/a dedicated online noise complaint received. Statistics with a view to system. We will log all complaints, published quarterly seek to respond to 95% of complaints and in community and enquiries within 5 working days newsletter. addressing noise and publish our performance at the Airport Consultative Committee and community newsletter. impacts in the most
We will look to establishing a local noise Establishment of Ongoing n/a group with helicopter companies group forum and number of cost-effective way.” and parties interested in progressing meetings. noise issues.
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Evaluating Appendix A Implementation Noise Contour Maps
Our 3 avenues to report our progress
Regularly on Monthly in our Annually report against our website Managing Responsibly performance to the Governance Group Airport Consultative meetings Committee
In order to evaluate the effectiveness and delivery of the Noise Action Plan, we have established performance indicators, timescales and targets where appropriate and committed to reporting on our progress through various avenues:
• Regularly on our website;
• Monthly in our Managing Responsibly Governance Group meetings; and
• Annually report against performance to the Airport Consultative Committee.
We will monitor against our established performance indicators to track progress against each area of focus to ensure that the work we are undertaking is resulting in the most efficient benefit in terms of managing noise impacts.
Our performance against these indicators will be regularly internally reviewed through our Managing Responsibly System. During the five year period of this action plan we may need to add or amend the range of performance indicators to respond to developments which enable us to better manage noise impacts.
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Map 1: 2016 Lden 55-75dB(A) Fixed-wing 52% S/48% N, Helicopters 65% S/35% N Map 2: 2016 LAeq 55-75dB(A) Fixed-wing 52% S/48% N, Helicopters 64% S/36% N
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Map 3: 2016 Lnight 55-75dB(A) Fixed-wing 49% S/51% N, Helicopters 73% S/27% N Appendix B Financial Information: Annual Running Costs
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Appendix C Glossary
Type Description Approximate Cost
Staff Costs Communications Team, £50,000 Environment Team, Airside Team, Planning Team, Safeguarding Team
Equipment Costs Equipment costs £25,000 Noise Monitor maintenance Noise monitoring
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aal above aerodrome level LAFmax Maximum A-weighted sound level, fast response
ACP Airspace Control Procedure LASmax Maximum A-weighted sound level, slow response
AIP Aeronautical Information Publication Lday The A-weighted average sound level over the 12 hour day period of 0700-1900 hours.
ACARE Advisory Council for Aeronautical Research in Europe Lden The day, evening, night level, Lden is a logarithmic composite of the Lday, Levening, and Lnight levels but with 5 ACOP Arrivals Code of Practice dB(A) being added to the Levening value and 10 dB(A) being added to the Lnight value. ANASE Attitudes to Noise from Aviation Sources in England Leq Equivalent sound level of aircraft noise in dBA, often called equivalent continuous sound level. For conventional historical contours this is based on the daily average movements that take place in the 16 hour period (0700- ANCON The UK civil aircraft noise contour model produced and maintained by ERCD. 2300 LT) during the 92 day period 16 June to 15 September inclusive. ANCON 2 Aircraft Noise Contour Model version 2 Levening The A-weighted average sound level over the 4 hour evening period of 1900-2300 hours. ANIS Aircraft Noise Index Study LPA Local Planning Authority ANMAC Aircraft Noise Monitoring Advisory Committee. The committee is chaired by the Department for Transport and Lnight The A-weighted average sound level over the 8 hour night period of 2300-0700 hours. comprises, among others, representatives of the airlines, Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted airports and airport consultative committees. LQCnight Equivalent continuous A-weighted sound level computed over the period 2330-0600 ANOMS Airport Noise Operations Monitoring System NATS Formerly known as National Air Traffic Services Ltd. NATS is licensed to provide en-route air traffic control for the UK and the Eastern part of the North Atlantic, and also provides air traffic control services at several major UK APU Auxiliary Power Unit. A power unit located on the aircraft. airports, including Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted. ATC Air Traffic Control nm Nautical mile ATM Air Transport Movement NNI Noise and Number Index. The noise exposure measure that preceded Leq. ATWP Air Transport White Paper Noise Bands Areas with similar noise exposure in 5 dB(A) ranges according to the key shown with the maps. CAA Civil Aviation Authority Noise Contour Map contour line indicating noise exposure in dB for the area that it encloses. CDA Continuous Descent Approach NPR Noise Preferential Route. dB(A) A unit of sound pressure level, adjusted in accordance with the A weighting scale, which takes into account the NR Noise Rating increased sensitivity of the human ear at some frequencies. NTK Noise and Track Keeping monitoring system. The NTK system associates radar data from air traffic control radar Decibel (dB) The decibel (dB) is a logarithmic unit of measurement that expresses the magnitude of a physical quantity relative with related data from both fixed (permanent) and mobile noise monitors at prescribed positions on the ground. to a specified or implied eferencer level. Its logarithmic nature allows very large or very small ratios to be represented by a convenient number. Being a ratio, it is a dimensionless unit. Decibels are used for a wide variety PATMs Passenger Air Transport Movements of measurements including acoustics, and for audible sound A-weighted decibels (dBA) are commonly used. PNdB Perceived Noise Level, measured in PNdB. Its measurement involves analyses of the frequency spectra of noise DCOP Departure Code of Practice events as well as the maximum level. DEFRA Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (UK Government). PPG Planning Policy Guidance DfT Department for Transport (UK Government). P-RNAV Precision Area Navigation DORA Directorate of Operational Research and Analysis QC Quota Count - the basis of the London airports’ Night Restrictions regime. ECAC European Civil Aviation Conference QFE Atmospheric pressure at aerodrome level (or at runway threshold) (i.e. the altimeter reads zero feet on the ground). ERCD Environmental Research and Consultancy Department of the Civil Aviation Authority. QFH Altimeter sub scale setting to obtain airfield elevation when on the ground (i.e. the altimeter reads the aircrafts EHO Environmental Health Officer altitude Above Mean Sea Level). FEGP Fixed Electrical Ground Power RANCH Road traffic and Aircraft Noise exposure and Children’s cognition and Health. FEU Flight Evaluation Unit SAE Society of Automotive Engineers GNC Ground Noise Committee SEL Sound Exposure Level. The level generated by a single aircraft at the monitoring point. Takes account of the GPU Ground Power Unit duration of the sound as well as its intensity. This is normalised to a 1 second burst of sound allowing comparison HTM Health Technical Memorandum between different events of different durations. ICAO International Civil Aviation Organization. SID Standard Instrument Departure route ILS Instrument Landing System. SOR Start-of-roll: The position on a runway where aircraft commence their take-off runs. IMC Instrument Meteorological Conditions SoS Secretary of State INM Integrated Noise Model SSSI Site of Special Scientific Interest Sustainable A UK aviation industry initiative aiming to set out a long term strategy for the industry to address its LA1 A-weighted sound level exceeded for 1% of the time Aviation sustainability issues. LA90 A-weighted sound level exceeded for 90% of the time VMC Visual Meteorological Conditions LAeq,16h The A-weighted average sound level over the 16 hour period of 0700–2300
LAeq,T The notional A-weighted equivalent continuous sound level which, if it occurred over the same time period, would give the same noise level as the actual varying sound level. The T denotes the time period over which the average is taken, for example LAeq,8h is the equivalent continuous noise level over an 8 hour period.
Noise Action Plan 2018-2023 Noise Action Plan 2018-2023 Aberdeen International Airport Limited Dyce, Aberdeen, Scotland AB21 7DU T. 0844 481 6666
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