Developing a noise and soundscape conceptual framework for fair and equitable distribution of aircraft

Lavia, Lisa R; Torija Martinez, Antonio J; Clark, Charlotte

Abstract

Fair and Equitable Distribution (FED) of aircraft, was introduced in 2015 as an aspirational objective by communities affected by aircraft noise from Gatwick Airport, the third-busiest airport by total passenger traffic in the UK. This paper presents the findings and outcomes of an independent study, based on the work of the authors, aimed at developing a clear definition of the airport’s FED of traffic that would enable airspace managers and aircraft operators to design solutions to meet the proposed FED objective in the context of the UK’s Airspace Modernisation Strategy (AMS). The AMS aims to deliver quicker, quieter and cleaner journeys and more capacity for the benefit of those who use and are affected by UK airspace. A transdisciplinary soundscape conceptual framework for operationalising the development of an agreed definition of FED is presented, for the first time, to the best of the authors’ knowledge. The resulting framework incorporates acoustics, psychoacoustics, non-acoustic factors, air traffic management technology options, health, psychology and other contextually specific community and stakeholder engagement disciplines. It is proposed that the FED framework can be applied to other airports when adapted for locally significant contextual factors. The learnings from the transdisciplinary soundscape approach also have implications for and are generally applicable to noise management across all transportation modes to reduce annoyance and improve health and wellbeing.

Citation

Lavia, L. R., Torija Martinez, A. J., & Clark, C. (2024). Developing a noise and soundscape conceptual framework for fair and equitable distribution of aircraft.

• Conference Name: ACOUSTICS 2023
• Conference Location: The Guildhall, Winchester
• Start Date: Oct 16, 2023
• End Date: Oct 17, 2023
• Acceptance Date: Sep 3, 2023
• Online Publication Date: Jan 1, 2024
• Publication Date: Jan 1, 2024
• Deposit Date: Sep 3, 2023
• Publisher: Institute of Acoustics
• Volume: 45
• Series Title: Proceedings of the Institute of Acoustics
• Series Number: Volume 45 Pt.3
• ISBN: 9781713884743
• Publisher URL: https://www.proceedings.com/71939.html
• Related Public URLs: https://www.ioa.org.uk/civicrm/event/info?reset=1&id=750