Why do some airplanes sound different from others at Pearson Airport in Mississauga?
Published February 5, 2022 at 4:18 pm
Whether or not you live near Mississauga’s Pearson Airport, you’ve likely heard the unmistakably loud sound of a nearby plane taking to the skies (or coming back down to land) at least a few times.
But not every plane makes the same sound — there are some differences between aircraft that may impact what you end up hearing.
Dr. Colin Novak, acoustician and engineering professor at the University of Waterloo, helpfully explains what those differences are.
According to Novak, there are several factors that affect an aircraft’s sound. One key factor is size: A larger aircraft will have bigger engines and a greater surface area, generating more noise as a result.
Additionally, the way an aircraft is being flown will have an effect on the noise it makes — a plane landing with a long, steady descent will sound quieter than a plane being sped up or using its flaps (the part of the plane’s wings that can be extended to give the plane a lower stall speed and slow its approach).
“There’s also been a push in the industry over the last 20 years to make aircraft more efficient,” said Novak. “And a more efficient engine has the effect of also being a quieter engine.”
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That means as time goes on and planes become more and more efficient, they’ll also get more quiet — welcome news for any residents living near Pearson who have to listen to planes take off and land throughout the day.
Pearson’s Noise Management Office keeps tabs on noise at the airport and issues advisories when certain situations (such as airfield construction) will have a more noticeable impact on the community.
“Our Noise Management Program has always supported using quieter aircraft as the technology became available,” says Pearson.
Other noise-reducing measures including limiting the number and types of aircraft that are allowed to fly overnight.
RELATED: How many flights happen after 12:30 a.m. at Pearson Airport in Mississauga?
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