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John Fogden Total Aviation Quality Ltd. Slide 2 Intro Aircare Front-footing legislation Noise Abatement Code of Practice Its just about culture Noise HAI Fly Neighbourly Program Recap Assessment Slide 3 Noise abatement training provided by TAQ and Richard Rayward CEO Air Safaris on behalf of AIA Whilst not targeted at fixed wing aeroplanes, elements of this presentation and associated Fly Neighbourly Program are adopted by this code in order to deliver the same benefits. Slide 4 February 2011 Department of Conservation announced that DOC will require all aircraft concession holders and all aircraft operators that want to work in the DOC Estate to be AIRCARE Accredited by April 2012. Extended to 1/01/13 (incl. Milford) (24/01/12) New Applications: on application or by 1/01/13 (whichever comes 1 st.) Slide 5 DOC will achieve this by mandating in the CMS reviews currently underway. Extended concessions Slide 6 The biggest threat to aircraft activities is poorly written legislation being developed to protect the environment. The way the industry is reacting to that is to develop the AIRCARE Program The AIRCARE Program is an enabling program. Slide 7 Slide 8 The AIRCARE Accreditation Program includes codes of practice about discharges (Spraying, Topdressing & aerial poison drops) engineering and Amenity Values (the Noise Abatement Code) Slide 9 SMS that sits above the codes requires that operators are independently audited against both the SMS and the codes. To be awarded accreditation an operator has to prove compliance with the relevant code(s) every time they go to work.) Slide 10 Compliance Flowchart Slide 11 ENVIRONMENTAL Code of Practice for Aircraft Operations - Amenity Values - NOISE ABATEMENT Slide 12 In accordance with the requirements to preserve amenity values as described in the RMA, aerial operators need to manage noise. By following the principles detailed in this code, that can be achieved. Slide 13 This code forms part of the Environmental Management System offered as part of the AIRCARE SMS run by the Aviation Industry Association of NZ. It recognises the issues involved with the operation of aircraft in and around noise sensitive areas Details a plan by which the aviation industry and regulators can work together in order to achieve the long term goal of limiting the noise and environmental impact of aircraft Slide 14 With a proactive approach the aviation community can pre-empt legislation being enforced upon the industry that could itself be unworkable. Does not address: Aircraft Noise measurement Slide 15 Members of the aviation community are invited to join this accreditation program that both trains and measures pilots and operators in flying neighbourly and in noise abatement methods. The aviation community needs work with regulators to identify measures that reduce the impact of aircraft noise. Slide 16 Amenity values Means those natural or physical qualities and characteristics of an area that contribute to peoples appreciation of its pleasantness, aesthetic coherence, and cultural and recreational attributes Noise Sensitive Area An area where the impact of adverse effects from noise diminishes the amenity values of that area Excludes CBD but may include residential areas and smaller towns between 1900 0700. Populous Area A collection of ten residences or more in an area less than two hectares, or a gathering of more than 100 people. Slide 17 The Resource Management Act 1991 empowers legislators to control elements of aircraft operations e.g. noise as it impacts on amenity values. Does not control overflight The Civil Aviation Act 1990 empowers the CAA to control aircraft operations. The Civil Aviation Act does not empower CAA to have any control of aircraft noise. Notwithstanding this, the majority of complaints that CAA fields are noise related Does not control noise Slide 18 The Conservation Act 1987, Specifically Part 3B Concessions Section 170 (2) says that no activity will be carried out in a conservation area unless authorized by a concession. The National Parks Act 1980 Specifically Section 14 Wilderness Areas s14(2)(d) This clause prohibits aircraft landing or hovering in Wilderness Areas. Slide 19 What has changed?? RMA 1991 CA Act 1990 Conservation Act 1987 Nat. Parks Act 1980 Tolerance has changed What was considered normal or acceptable in years gone by is no longer so. Slide 20 Slide 21 Culture has to change The measure of a pilot Crashes Productivity Least breakages Most versatile / professional/ lowest insurance risk What is needed now is both helicopter and fixed wing operators and pilots who adapt the quickest Slide 22 Slide 23 Understanding the impact of noise on the environment and on amenity values and how that noise can be effectively managed is about: Staying in business Keeping your job Slide 24 There are sounds that please us And there are noises that disturb us Not everyone likes the same types of noise Slide 25 Irrespective of the sound /noise being generated, the environment will dictate its character. F1 GP, Airshows, Jet ski carnivals Churches, Nat. Parks, schools, hospitals, holiday resorts, outdoor gatherings / concerts More peaceful the environment the bigger the impact Slide 26 NOISE CAUSE & REMEDIES Fixed wing Propeller (design & speeds) retrofitable Settings & sync Set RPM at lowest recommended setting in all flight phases 100 rpm difference in mid-range of prop setting will raise or lower noise emission by 3 - 5 dB. High rpm very intrusive and increases at higher end of prop rpm setting (2450 rpm upwards) 2600 2700 rpm setting can double perceived sound at ground level (Rayward) Slide 27 Slide 28 Slide 29 Slide 30 Fixed wing (cont.) Engine (turbines) retrofitable Exhausts Slide 31 Slide 32 Slide 33 Larger capacity small a/c Caravan, XL 750 / Cresco, Pilatus Manoeuvering Environment Technique CULTURE Slide 34 NOISE CAUSE & REMEDIES Helicopter - Aerodynamic Main rotor & tail rotor construction, design & speed Interaction Engine (turbine) Exhaust & gearbox Environment Temp, Humidity, terrain, distance, wind Technique, manoeuvring CULTURE Slide 35 MD 600 Slide 36 Slide 37 Slide 38 Stuff them. Ignore them and they will go away Get right up em. Best form of defence is attack. Theres always a couple of moaners. No one else seems to have a problem. We were operating here long before they came along. Slide 39 Wait til they break a leg. Then theyll be pleased to see us. Weve got a job to do, so they might as well get used to it. Not much I can do about it. Slide 40 Some more sensitive to noise than others Noise inducted vibration & rattle A/c noise irritating low frequency content Helicopter noise more irritating than f/wing Periodic impulsive character Personal judgement, fear and negative attitude Industrys response to these concerns. Slide 41 Confusion of legislation leads to unsatisfactory results for complainants Ignored or fobbed-off. Frustration Concerns need to be listened to Soon settle down when they realise they are being heard Nearly all will be satisfied when they see some response to their concerns Slide 42 For the purposes of this Code the word shall refers to practices that are mandatory for compliance with the Code and the word should refers to practices that are advised, recommended or are industry best practice. Slide 43 Pilots Attend & pass Fly Neighbourly training Take all reasonable steps to minimise noise footprint Comply with Code of Practice and company procedures except: Notify operator when conditions cannot be complied with Slide 44 To meet the requirements of this code pilots shall complete the Fly Neighbourly training program and pass an assessment set by the AIA. The term of this qualification shall be three years. The Fly Neighbourly Guide upon which this training is based is included as Appendix 1. Slide 45 Pilots shall take all reasonable steps to minimize their noise footprint. In flight, pilots should observe the following noise abatement procedures: Avoid noise-sensitive areas where possible Follow high ambient noise routes Maintain an altitude as high as possible Fly normal cruising speed or slower Avoid sharp manoeuvres Slide 46 use steep takeoff and descent profiles (helicopters only) Vy -5kts Operate (f/wing)propellers at the low end of the propeller recommended RPM operating range for all phases of the flight. Vary the route, repetition contributes to annoyance. Slide 47 For low level operations use techniques that minimise the noise footprint: operating RPM (rotor or prop). keeping high ground or shelter belts between flight tracks and any nearby residence hours of operation and timing of operation. Where company (or User Group) operating areas or transit routes are developed, confine flights to those places. Slide 48 Comply with the Code of Practice except where they would conflict with: Flight safety, or C A Rules, or ATC clearances or instructions, or Passenger comfort. A/c limitations shall Pilots unable to comply with company Policy or guidelines in respect to noise abatement shall document the event and notify the operator using an Event Notification form. Slide 49 Operators Policy on noise minimisation and plan operations accordingly Emphasise awareness of noise sensitive areas Consider fleet, a/c type selection Maintain a noise complaints register Ensure staff attendance at FN courses Ensure pilots ongoing awareness and understanding of noise minimisation Slide 50 Operators (cont.) Include FN in Management Review Meetings Promote customer education Maintain active participation in Airspace User Groups Slide 51 To meet the requirements of this code operators shall: Maintain a policy on noise minimisation that shall be promoted to all staff. This policy shall reflect the operators intent to reduce the amount of noise created by aircraft and other equipment. ???? The policy will identify current and anticipated areas of noise concern. Slide 52 shall To meet the requirements of this code operators shall: Plan flight ops in accordance with noise abatement procedures to minimize the impact of aircraft movements giving consideration to: a/c type selected Time of day or week to be least obtrusive. In sensitive areas, develop the location of operational areas and transit routes in consultation with the any relevant parties or local authorities. Slide 53 To meet the requirements of this code operators shall : Assist flight crews and operations personnel to develop responsible mission profiles without infringing on operational reality, without conflicting with CARs, ATC instructions, or a/c operating limitations. These guidelines shall emphasize awareness of sensitive routes and landing areas. Slide 54 To meet the requirements of this code operators shall : For low level operations near populous areas, consider the fleet and select an aircraft type that has the least intrusive noise footprint. Slide 55 Maintain a register of noise complaints including: the name and address of the complainant, location of the concern and the date and time to which the event refers. corrective and preventative actions undertaken Evaluate and discuss with pilot concerned. Review procedures Slide 56 To meet the requirements of this code operators shall ensure all relevant staff: attend the Fly Neighbourly training course pass an assessment on the noise abatement procedures detailed in that course. undergo recurrent training and assessment every three years. Slide 57 Operators shall ensure pilots awareness and understanding of the following is assessed during routine company flight checks (FCCC, Ag Comp.) Contents and updates of manufacturers published noise abatement information (Flt. Manual Supps) Documented company noise abatement policies and procedures Operational noise minimisation techniques Slide 58 Slide 59 To meet the requirements of this code operators shall: As part of regular Management Review Meetings (required under the AIRCARE Environmental Management System), ensure that the noise minimisation policy is considered to ensure that it is still relevant in respect to any changing conditions or legislation and that it is revised when required. Slide 60 To meet the requirements of this code operators shall: Educate customers about noise abatement prevent or minimize conflicts between their expectations and company policy. Where a User Group has been established maintain membership and take an active part in its activities. Strive for continuous improvement. Slide 61 It is recommended that operators adopting this code of practice should: Where possible, when operations below 500ft AGL are anticipated, arrange notification to all affected parties near the proposed flight path. Promote the safety record and the benefits of aircraft use to improve public acceptance of aircraft. Develop good working relations with the media presenting favourable aircraft related media coverage of events, achievements and outcomes including Fly Neighbourly seminars. Slide 62 It is recommended that operators adopting this code of practice should : Engage in public relations to develop awareness of the the companys Fly Neighbourly Program through attendance at meetings of local government, government agencies, service clubs and environmental groups. Utilise demonstrations and press conferences covering such capabilities as fire fighting, emergency medical evacuation, search and rescue and the benefits of aircraft transportation to the general public. Slide 63 Land-owners Administrators Notify visitors / neighbour etc. who might be affected Slide 64 When aircraft operations are planned over sensitive areas, it is the responsibility of the Land Owner/Administrator to notify people who could be adversely affected by the aircraft noise. Doing this will reduce the element of surprise and disappointment that often lead to frustration for visitors and owners/administrators alike. Slide 65 Examples: Restaurant / lodge owners - neighbours Visitors to the DOC Estate a/c noise Visitors to National a/c noise and track / hut work Landowners/Administrators should work with aircraft operators to identify flight routes that will cause the minimum of noise nuisance. Slide 66 Acceptance of aircraft activities is, in general, poor. Engender acceptance. Provide media with : valid and favourable aviation related information (e.g. press releases - good news stories) SAR ops, local police support, fire fighting Get involved with Govt agencies Influence their thinking and decisions Partner with them to promote your services Slide 67 Publicise F/N seminars and initiatives Front-foot it with: Changes to operational practices Establishing a new base Consider safety, operational and environmental issues Develop a public acceptance program Programs to prevent or resolve complaints Use the media to project positive relations Utilise local, national and trade media Av News, Pac Wings, Kiwi Flyer etc. Slide 68 Slide 69 Fly Neighbourly Committee est. 1981 Matt Zucarro HAI Pres. www.rotor.com www.rotor.com Fly Neighbourly Guide Fly Neighbourly Pamphlet Responding to community concerns Sample complaint forms Training CD and DVD Slide 70 Introduction Recognise impact operations have on noise Recognising the risks in not addressing noise concerns Sources of helicopter noise Recognise the main noise generators on a helicopter Recognise which noise source dominates each flight regime Slide 71 Other factors influencing noise The effect of distance on sound The effect of temp, humidity and wind on sound The effect of terrain on sound What manufacturers are doing Introduction to what steps manufacturers are taking to reduce helicopter noise Understanding new design features being examined for future noise reduction Slide 72 Slide 73 The pilots role in noise abatement Recognise the need for noise abatement Recognise the pilot attitude factors in noise abatement General guidelines for reducing helicopter noise Specific noise abatement procedures Recognise the need for general noise abatement procedures Noise abatement procedures specific to your make and model of helicopter Slide 74 Slide 75 Slide 76 Slide 77 http://www.youtube.com/embed/8ljxyDtCs aMhttp://www.youtube.com/embed/8ljxyDtCs aM Slide 78 Good noise - bad noise Aircraft make lots of it. Multiple noise sources from helicopter: Rotational Rotational (main & tail rotors) Directional downwards & forward Impulsive Impulsive (BVI, TRI, HSI) Most obtrusive Most easily remedied Broadband Less obtrusive except start-up, hover Slide 79 Distance Double distance (or altitude) = 5-6 db noise reduction = halved perceived noise Temperature Lower temp= greater noise Humidity Higher humidity greater noise Wind Downwind greater noise Terrain Slide 80 Main rotor speed Design blade structure, mechanics Anti torque design Blade speed, blade spacing Alternatives (notar) Slide 81 Slide 82 Slide 83 Avoid noise sensitive areas Fly higher fly slower over sensitive areas Reduce rrpm or prop rpm over sensitive areas Modify flight profiles Hover climb en-route descent profiles Hover turns Avoid BVI slap regions Situational (environmental)awareness Slide 84 Individual aircraft operating techniques for noise mitigation Be familiar with the ones you operate and put them into practice Pro-active liaison with community Be responsive to, record, and correct community concerns and perceptions Slide 85 Be sure to complete name and other details Closed book Tick the option(s) that is correct Some questions may have more than one correct option Rotary pilot questions /f/wing pilot questions Review answers Assessment by AIA Individual certificates issued by mail Slide 86