Citizen Scientist Initiative- Taking aviation noise measurements

CITIZEN NOISE MONITORING

Our Airspace is empowering local citizenry to gather valid scientific noise data for their communities. Technically speaking, you are helping your community build single-event supplementary metrics.

This program’s methodology is based on Cornell University’s successful Ornithology program. These instructions will help guide residents to accurately record noise events and report them in a useful way.

Recent medical evidence suggests that that Number Above 35dBA raises blood pressure in sleeping individuals, and so poses a public health threat.

Download Full instructions or read below

PURCHASING A NOISE METER

Professional sound level meters can be purchased through scientific instrument retailers. They must meet the following minimum Specifications in order to produce valid results.


	Certified Calibrated NIST Meter NIST Certificate ANSI S1.4 Type II and IEC 651 standards Lo=32 ~ 80dB; Med=50 ~ 100dB; Hi=80 ~ 130dB Accuracy: ±1.5dB (ref 94dB @ 1KHz)

Select Online Retailers:

SoundLevelMeters.net

Professional Equipment ($499)

Automated Data Logging

Some Noise Meters include ‘data logging’ which can save up to 20,000 noise events. This is easier and a preferable method to hand measurements and manual logging. You can then download the data to your computer with proprietary Software. This saves the extra steps in having to manually record the data in an excel file or using online logging through OurAirspace.org.

Obtaining Accurate Data

The FAA's 65 DNL masks repetitive single-event intrusions. The FAA should provide communities with supplemental noise event metrics in addition to their DNL. Communities can begin gathering this data by investing in inexpensive Noise Measuring equipment and recording through the day and night, recording data into logs and delivering to their local governments, the FAA and OurAirspace.

Directions:

Measure Peak Noise (Lmax) both inside and outside your home during the noise event.
Measure Background Ambience in dBA at the same time both inside and outside your home.
Record the number of Events Per Hour jet noise exceeds 50 dBA (inside or outside your home)

TAKING VALID NOISE MEASUREMENTS

Set up your calibrated instrument.
Take Measurement during a High Noise Event
1. Measure the Peak Noise (Lmax) inside your Home
2. Measure the Peak Noise (Lmax) outside your Home
Take Measurement During Normal Ambient Noise
1. Measure background ambience in dBA inside your Home
2. Measure background ambience in dBA outside your Home
Record your measurements, Date, Time, Hour, Minute in Log

RECORDING THE DATA

Download Noise Log Here

NAME: Sally Bailey
ADDRESS: 123 Happy Lane East Meadow CO 81501
CONTACT #: (970)249-5675
EMAIL: unhappy@toonoisy.com

Email completed forms to your local town representative and copy to wolf@afsap.org

Date	Time	Location	dBA	LMax	Event
9/23/08	5:02 AM	Bedroom	4.01	41.0	Noisy plane- Jumbo Jet from the South
9/23/08	5:16 AM	Living Room	4.20	23.2	Air Tran traveling northeast
9/23/08	5:48 AM	Back yard	9.2	68.0	(Passur)- to LGA Jet Blue tail #sw-zrct alt. 1270 Ft
9/23/08	6:49 AM	Upstairs bedroom	4.01	57.5	LGA Am-235y (passur) alt. 1500 ft.

Legal Requirements

The legal requirements for the type of meter will vary from county to county, city to city, and state to state. Check with your local city/county police to obtain the regulations regarding noise pollution and any requirements needed to prove these are being violated. If it goes to court, it is most likely that a NIST meter will be required.

OurAirspace
ourairspace.org
contact@OurAirspace.org