Appendix C Aircraft Noise

This document explains the fundamentals of aircraft noise at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, covering how sound is measured in decibels and A-weighted decibels (dBA) to reflect human hearing sensitivity. It describes how outdoor sound levels decrease with distance due to wave spreading and atmospheric absorption, with noise typically dropping 6 dB each time the distance from the source doubles. A comparative chart of common indoor and outdoor noise levels is included to help put aircraft noise levels in everyday context.

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Appendix C of a Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (STIA) report covering aircraft noise fundamentals and general characteristics of aircraft noise. Topics include sound pressure level, decibels (dB), A-weighted decibels (dBA), frequency weighting, hertz (Hz), human hearing thresholds (0 dB to 120-140 dB), spherical wave propagation, atmospheric absorption, ground attenuation, and a comparative noise levels chart (Figure C-1) showing common indoor and outdoor sounds on the A-weighted decibel scale. Prepared by ESA (Environmental Science Associates), document identifier D202201341.00.

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