US: FAA adopts Stage 5 noise standard on new aircraft designs

The US FAA has adopted a new noise standard that will result in a volume decrease of seven decibels (dBs) for certain newly designed subsonic aircraft. The ruling, called Stage 5 Airplane Noise Standards, is set to take effect Jan. 1, 2018, and will apply to any new aircraft design with a maximum takeoff weight of 121,254 lbs. (55,000 kg) or more submitted on or after Dec. 31, 2017, or to any new aircraft design with a MTOW of less than 121,254 lbs. submitted on or after Dec. 31, 2020. According to the ruling, as published in the Federal Register, the “change will … harmonize the noise certification standards for those airplanes certificated in the US with those certificated under international standards.” By lowering the noise limit, the standard requires quieter designs and encourages manufacturers to adopt the latest available noise reduction technology into their designs for new subsonic jet airplanes and subsonic transport category large airplanes, FAA said.<br/>