Fly quiet program
What is the CWG doing to develop a DMV fly quiet program?
<NEW> July CWG address MWAA questions about Fly Quiet programs at other airports Response Draft
MWAA approves CWG recommended DCA Fly Quiet program at April CWG Meeting
Wisdom from MWAA
Weight has no impact on the amount of noise an aircraft generates. However, heavy aircraft require more power to take-off and climb than a lighter aircraft. This results in more noise being heard on the ground for two reasons, 1) the higher power setting and 2) a slower rate of climb and/or lower altitude.
A light aircraft that uses a heavy aircraft power setting produces the same amount of noise but would be at a higher altitude at all points along the departure path resulting in less noise on the ground due to a steeper climb angle/higher altitude.
Heavy aircraft require more thrust to maintain the same descent angle as a lighter aircraft, so the higher power setting does produce more noise than a lower power setting on arrival. And, because the altitude is the same on approach no matter the weight, more noise is heard on the ground.
FAA AC Part36 3-H does document increases in noise levels at higher weight because the noise is measured at defined points.
Additional beyond perimeter flights must be heavier (more fuel) than inside perimeter flights (which we also oppose) and one of MWAA's opposition points to these efforts is the corresponding increase in aircraft noise experienced by area residents.