Introduction to the Simulator
You initiate a flight by clicking the Take Off button. Flights
move over an aerial map of the Short Mountain Flying Field (Eugene, Oregon)
until they reach an edge, or until you click the Erase Flight button.
A flight is represented by the intersection of its noise bubbles with
the surface of the earth.
A black disk shows where the flight is heard at 55 or more decibels.
The airplane's noise is a noticeable presence throughout the blackened
area.
A purple disk shows where the flight is heard at 65 or more decibels.
The airplane's noise disrupts conversations and thought within this area.
A red disk shows where the flight is heard at 75 or more decibels.
In this region the noise distresses people.
A yellow disk shows where the flight is heard at 85 or more decibels.
Bodily harm can result from the noise in this region.
You can adjust factors influencing surface sound by adjusting scrollbars
at the right of the map.
Engine Noise - the decibel level measured 394 feet from the source
(FAA standard). Values for some "quiet" Stage 3 airliners: 747,
106 db; DC-10, 102 db; 767, 94 db; A300, 94 db.
Direction - the flight path specified on a 360-degree compass.
Climb - the plane's rate of climb in degrees. (Altitude is reported
here during a flight.)
Speed - the plane's airspeed in miles per hour.
Another scrollbar - the Time Multiplier - adjusts the extent to
which the simulation is faster than life. The pace can be set at real time
by selecting a 1:1 multiplier.
Results are approximate since additional factors (like weather and sound
frequency) affect how noise travels. Nevertheless the simulator provides
insights concerning airplane noise, and what remedies would be most effective
at a particular location
This one takes a while to load so be patient. (Approx. 130K)
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