New Global Aircraft Noise Rules Reinforce the Importance of Accurate Sound Measurement
This year, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) adopted more stringent aircraft noise certification limits for new aircraft designs. The updated requirements, which take effect for future aircraft certifications beginning in 2029, are expected to reduce community exposure to aircraft noise by requiring quieter aircraft designs and encouraging continued advances in aerospace engineering.
While much of the attention has focused on the new aircraft noise limits themselves, an equally important aspect is how those noise levels are measured. Accurate, repeatable measurements are fundamental to aircraft certification, environmental compliance, and community noise monitoring.
This is where ASA standards play a critical role.
The Role of ASA/ANSI S1.4
ASA/ANSI S1.4-2014/Part 1 (IEC 61672-1), Part 2, and Part 3 specify the performance requirements, pattern evaluation tests, and periodic verification procedures for precision sound level meters. These standards help ensure that measurements collected by different organizations, in different locations, and over many years remain consistent and comparable.
Aircraft noise certification programs, airport environmental monitoring, consultants performing community noise studies, and regulatory agencies all depend on sound measurement systems that meet these internationally recognized performance specifications. Reliable measurements are essential for demonstrating compliance, evaluating new technologies, and maintaining public confidence in reported results.
Why Standards Matter
As governments and industry pursue quieter transportation systems, confidence in the data becomes increasingly important. Whether evaluating new aircraft technologies, documenting airport noise, or assessing community impacts, standardized measurement methods provide a common technical foundation that allows results to be compared across organizations and over time.
Behind every published standard is a consensus process involving experts from industry, government, academia, testing laboratories, manufacturers, and consulting organizations. These volunteers contribute their technical expertise to develop practical, scientifically sound standards that serve the broader acoustics community.
As technologies evolve and new measurement challenges emerge, fresh perspectives are essential. Organizations that manufacture instruments, conduct testing, develop products, perform research, or rely on acoustic measurements all have valuable experience to contribute.
“Behind every published standard is a consensus process involving experts from industry, government, academia, testing laboratories, manufacturers, and consulting organizations.”
Help Shape Tomorrow’s Standards
Participation in ASA standards working groups offers stakeholders a direct opportunity to help develop the documents that guide acoustic measurements worldwide. Committee members review emerging technologies, evaluate proposed revisions, and work collaboratively to build consensus on technical requirements that benefit the entire community.
Organizations are especially encouraged to become organizational members of the ASA Standards Program. Organizational members can appoint voting representatives to participate in standards development, ensuring their industry’s expertise and practical experience are reflected as standards evolve. Their participation helps produce balanced, technically rigorous standards that support innovation while maintaining confidence in acoustic measurements.
Today’s standards influence tomorrow’s products, research, regulations, and measurement practices. By participating in the consensus process, stakeholders can help ensure those standards continue to meet the needs of an evolving acoustics profession.
Related Standards
The following ASA standards are referenced in this article and are available through the ASA Standards Webstore:
- ASA/ANSI S1.4-2014/Part 1/IEC 61672-1:2013 (R2024), Electroacoustics—Sound Level Meters—Part 1: Specifications (a nationally adopted international standard)
- ASA/ANSI S1.4-2014/Part 2/IEC 61672-2:2013 (R2024), Electroacoustics—Sound Level Meters—Part 2: Pattern Evaluation Tests (a nationally adopted international standard)
- ASA/ANSI S1.4-2014/Part 2 Amd.1-2019/IEC 61672-2:2013 Amd.1:2017 (R2024), Electroacoustics—Sound Level Meters—Part 2: Pattern Evaluation Tests—Amendment 1 (a nationally adopted international standard amendment)
- ASA/ANSI S1.4-2014/Part 3/IEC 61672-3:2013 (R2024), Electroacoustics—Sound Level Meters—Part 3: Periodic Tests (a nationally adopted international standard)
To purchase these standards or learn more, visit the ASA Standards Webstore.