People living around Sydney Airport may experience two types of aircraft noise: noise from aircraft in the air and noise from aircraft operating on the ground.
While both can affect nearby communities, they are managed differently under separate laws and regulations. Different organisations are responsible for monitoring and managing each type of noise.
Understanding the difference can help explain who is responsible and how noise-related concerns are addressed.
Air vs Ground-based noise
Aircraft noise can be grouped into two types.
Air noise
Aircraft engines generate noise as they produce the power needed for take-off, climb, cruise and landing.
The amount of noise can vary depending on the type of aircraft and stage of flight.
Ground noise
The airframe includes parts of the aircraft such as the wings, fuselage, landing gear and flaps.
As air flows around these surfaces, it creates aerodynamic noise. This type of noise is often more noticeable during landing when the landing gear and flaps are extended.
What causes aircraft noise?
Aircraft noise comes mainly from two sources: the aircraft's engines and the movement of air around the aircraft as it flies.
Engine noise
Aircraft engines generate noise as they produce the power needed for take-off, climb, cruise and landing.
The amount of noise can vary depending on the type of aircraft and stage of flight.
Airframe noise
The airframe includes parts of the aircraft such as the wings, fuselage, landing gear and flaps.
As air flows around these surfaces, it creates aerodynamic noise. This type of noise is often more noticeable during landing when the landing gear and flaps are extended.
What affects the level of noise?
The level of aircraft noise heard on the ground can vary depending on several factors, including:
Modern aircraft are generally quieter than older aircraft due to advances in aircraft and engine design, and noise levels are expected to continue to reduce as technology improves.
Frequently Asked Questions
Aircraft noise comes from both the aircraft's engines and the airframe (such as the wings, landing gear and flaps).
How much noise you hear can depend on the aircraft type, altitude, flight path and weather conditions. Modern aircraft are generally quieter than older aircraft thanks to advances in aircraft and engine technology.
The level of aircraft noise heard on the ground can vary depending on a range of factors, including the aircraft type, altitude, flight path, weather conditions and whether the aircraft is arriving or departing.
Modern aircraft are generally quieter than older aircraft due to advances in aircraft and engine technology.
Aircraft noise can come from both the air and the ground.
Air noise is generated by aircraft during take-off, landing and while flying overhead. The level of noise can vary depending on the aircraft type, altitude, flight path and weather conditions.
Ground noise is generated while aircraft are operating at the airport and can include engine testing, aircraft taxiing, ground support equipment and airport service vehicles.
Both airborne and ground-based noise contribute to the overall noise experienced by communities around Sydney Airport.
Community members can provide feedback or make an enquiry about aircraft noise through Airservices Australia's Noise Complaints and Information Service (NCIS). The service allows residents to ask questions, report noise events and access information about aircraft operations and flight paths.
You can also submit feedback online, by phone or by using tools such as WebTrak to identify a specific aircraft operation.