Aviation Noise Technologies
Remote Monitoring Towers
The Metropolitan Airports Commission's (MAC) system of 39 remote monitoring towers (RMT), the largest single permanent airport noise monitoring system in the world, continuously monitors noise events in communities surrounding the airport. The RMTs monitor noise levels from both aircraft noise sources and everyday community, or ambient, noise sources. This information is automatically downloaded and processed along with radar data into the Airport Noise and Operations Monitoring System (ANOMS). Noise data from the RMTs is reported in summary format in the Monthly Technical Advisor's Report (beginning on page 15) or can be queried by date through the Events Count Breakdown report on the interactive reports page.
Equipment
Each RMT site consists of laboratory-quality noise monitoring equipment manufactured by Larson Davis Incorporated (LD). The main components making up each RMT consist of a Type 1 LD 870 noise analyzer, a LD PRM2100K preamplifier and a LD 2541 microphone. This equipment undergoes annual calibration and certification by an independent accredited laboratory.Parameters
The analyzer in each RMT continuously monitors noise levels utilizing slow response with A weighting as directed by FAR Part 150. The analyzer is set to detect an event when the sound pressure level (SPL) reaches 65dBA and records an event when the SPL remains at or above 63dBA for at least eight seconds. These recorded events are then later correlated with radar flight track data obtained from the Federal Aviation Administration to determine whether the noise source was from an aircraft event or a community event. The analyzer also provides hourly and daily data.
