Study Released: Analysis of noise distributions at heliports and vertiports: A guide for site selection and land use planning

NOISE /noiz/ noun

1. a sound, especially one that is loud or unpleasant or that causes disturbance.

Noise is likely the cause of more complaints about aircraft than anything else. While eVTOLs are quieter than helicopters, they still make noise. Moreover, the visual disturbance of frequent eVTOL flights will likely annoy some. Since noise is such an important issue about how the public may react to eVTOLs, we sought to better understand how noise distribution by eVTOLs may be able to guide the siting of vertiports.

The majority of research previously conducted on the siting of vertiports has focused on site selection based on things such as access to transit, underutilization of infrastructure, and socio-economic geography rather than from a land use compatibility viewpoint. In particular, no studies have investigated land use compatibility for heliports and vertiports from the perspective of noise distribution. Recall that noise and safety are the primary considerations for the development of compatibility zones as outlined in the California Airport Land Use Planning Handbook.

Third among several studies on Advanced Air Mobility, vertiports, and eVTOLs by aviation planner David Ison of Washington State Department of Transportation, Aviation Division, "Analysis of noise distributions at heliports and vertiports: A guide for site selection and land use planning" was just published in the Journal of Airline and Airport Management.

According to the article's abstract, "The purpose of this study was to examine the noise profiles of helicopters and eVTOLs at heliports and vertiports in order to support site planning and the development of local land-use compatibility guidelines. This study used existing helicopter and eVTOL sound profiles to develop noise distribution contours for heliports and vertiports. This study collected noise data from available studies on helicopters and eVTOLs. This data was then entered into dBmap noise mapping tool to develop noise maps for helicopters and eVTOLs. Three air transit facility configurations for each aircraft category were analyzed: open (unobstructed), urban, and rooftop. Two additional vertiport configurations were created by overlaying building and noise data with Google Earth imagery. Noise data was entered into dBmap for processing. Noise contours were mapped for three configurations for both aircraft categories."

Key findings included:

• Noise distribution analysis showed that open (unobstructed) facility configurations have even noise distributions for both eVTOLs and helicopters.
• Noise maps for urban locations showed areas of attenuation and asymmetrical patterns due to the interactions of sound waves with surrounding buildings.

• An analysis of a rooftop installation of a heliport or vertiport provided some noise mitigation advantages.
• This study suggests that current land use compatibility guidance may be inadequate for rotorcraft and eVTOL operations.
• Findings suggest the development of symmetrical noise-impact zones centered around heliports and vertiports.
• Examples compatibility zones are outlined, and recommendations for future research are provided.
• Local planners can use the data from this study to make educated choices about the siting of heliports and vertiports.
• The findings can assist planners in the development of zoning and land use compatibility standards.

To read the full study visit here.

Click the title to read the safety study "Compatible Land Use for Heliports and Vertiports: A Safety Perspective"