The Integrated Noise Model (INM), developed by ATAC Corporation for the FAA, was the standard computer tool used to assess aircraft noise impacts near airports like Sea-Tac, calculating noise exposure contours and predicted sound levels at sensitive locations such as schools and hospitals. It was required for airport noise compatibility planning under FAR Part 150 and environmental reviews under the National Environmental Policy Act until it was replaced by the Aviation Environmental Design Tool (AEDT) in May 2015. Though no longer valid for regulatory use in the U.S., the INM was used by over 1,000 users in 65 countries to evaluate the noise effects of runway changes, flight routing, air traffic procedures, and shifts in aircraft fleet mix.Open full document
Notes
ATAC Corporation was the primary software developer and system integrator of the Integrated Noise Model (INM), the FAA’s standard computer model for assessing aircraft noise impacts near airports and National Parks. The INM was replaced by the Aviation Environmental Design Tool (AEDT) in May 2015 but remains in use for regulatory purposes in various countries. The model calculates noise exposure contours using aircraft flight performance and acoustic data, supporting 16 pre-defined noise metrics and integration with GIS software.