Division 2.7.22 Noise associated with Engine Testing (Run-Up) Operations, taxiing and auxiliary power units

In such cases where it is considered that noise associated with engine testing and auxiliary power-units are to be modelled, these are modelled according to the chapter on industrial noise. Although it is normally not the case, noise from aircraft engine tests (sometimes referred to as ‘engine run-ups’) at airports can make a contribution to noise impacts. Usually carried out for engineering purposes to check engine performance, aircraft are safely positioned away from buildings, aircraft, vehicular and/or personnel movements to avoid any jet-blast related damage.

For additional safety and noise control reasons, airports, particularly those with maintenance facilities that can lead to frequent engine tests, can install so-called ‘noise pens’, 3-sided baffled enclosures specially designed to deflect and dissipate jet blast and noise. Investigating the noise impact of such facilities, which can be further attenuated and reduced by the use of additional earth bunds or substantial noise barrier fencing, is best accomplished by treating the noise pen as a source of industrial noise and using an appropriate noise and sound propagation model.