Analysis of Helicopter Noise Data Using International Helicopter Noise Certification Procedures

This report documents the results of a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) noise measurement flight test program involving seven helicopters and establishes noise levels using the basic testing, reduction and analysis procedures specified by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) for helicopter noise certification supplemented with some procedural refinements contained in ICAO Working Group II recommendations for incorporation into the standard. The helicopters analyzed in this report include the Hughes 500 D/E, the Aerospatiale AS 350D (AStar), the Aerospatiale AS 355F (TwinStar), the Aerospatiale SA 365 (Dauphin), the Bell 222 Twin Jet, the Boeing Vertol 234/CH 47-D, and the Sikorsky S-76. The document discusses the evolution of international helicopter noise certification procedures and describes in detail the data acquisition, reduction and adjustment procedures. Noise levels are plotted versus the logarithm of maximum gross takeoff weight and are shown relative to the ICAO noise level limits. Data from the ICAO Committee on Aircraft Noise (CAN) Seventh meeting 'request for data' are also presented. Reference testing and operational data are provided for each helicopter. Keywords: Heliport environmental impact, Certification standards.