Jet noise at schools near Los Angeles International Airport.

Abstract

In this study, indoor and outdoor measurements of jet aircraft noise were made at seven schools beneath the eastern approach paths to the Los Angeles International Airport. At five elementary schools, the jet noise in the schoolyards ranged from 96 to 118 dBC and constituted a high risk of hearing damage for the children. The frequency of jet aircraft overflights averages one per 2-min interval for a total of about 200 per school day (8:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m.). The corresponding jet-noise levels in the classrooms (80% of which are not air-conditioned or acoustically treated) ranged from 80 to 96 dBA and caused continual disruption of communication and the learning processes. An investigation of aircraft operation alternatives indicated that the noise could be reduced by 10 dB or more if engine power were properly managed when the aircraft approaches the school areas, or if the aircraft approached at higher altitudes and landed further to the west on the unused 6000-ft-long portion of the 12 000-ft-long runways.