OT: How loud is an airplane?

[Bob Brines]

Boeing 737-700 (SWA) row 20 of 24 -- well behind the wing -- seat A -- window. iPhone "SPL Meter" C-weight

Takeoff roll 105dB - peak 109
Climb to FL390 95dB
Cruise 92dB

How many passengers were wearing earplugs? Me!

Bob

[billfitzmaurice]

Re: OT: How loud is an airplane?

Takeoff roll 105dB - peak 109
Climb to FL390 95dB
Cruise 92dB

At what frequencies? It must have been below 40Hz, otherwise conversation would be impossible. I've measured subs at over 100dB at 15Hz, and if not for seeing the result on the meter I'd have been unaware that there was any sound at all.

[Bob Brines]

Re: OT: How loud is an airplane?

Didn't think to do a spectrum. A-weighted was down ~3dB. Talking with neighbor was a bit difficult. The most apparent noise is the wind noise.

Bob

[generic]

Re: OT: How loud is an airplane?

I kind of have to wonder if the air from the above vents was messing with the readings. I know it gets loud, but I find close to 100db to be reaching painful levels, or at least very fatiguing levels that I don't want to listen too except very short term. If it was just sound levels peaking at 109db, I'd think that would hurt and cause hearing damage and would not be allowed.

[---k---]

Re: OT: How loud is an airplane?

As a frequent flyer, to me your measurements seem a little high, but plausible.

I have a set of Shure Noise Isolation Ear Buds that I typically wear. These are the type with a built in ear plug. I'll use them even if not listening to music. I often wonder how people wearing regular headphones and turning it up over the engine noise are not deaf.

[kevintomb]

Re: OT: How loud is an airplane?

Have never measured the actual loudness, but I know it approaches quite fatiguing for me on many flights.
That all encompassing "Roar" of wind and engines, is not literally painful, but quite tiring and annoying.

The sound of Shop Vacs all around and not being able to get away is my issue.

are smaller jets quieter?

[kevintomb]

Re: OT: How loud is an airplane?

At what frequencies? It must have been below 40Hz, otherwise conversation would be impossible. I've measured subs at over 100dB at 15Hz, and if not for seeing the result on the meter I'd have been unaware that there was any sound at all.

I do not know the answer for sure, but I would say far above deep bass, more in the several hundred hertz area.

[kevin007]

Re: OT: How loud is an airplane?

I used to work at a international airport and the big jets on the tarmac are around 200 db. I had to have special headphones to protect my ears. It also helps to be in front of the plane as it is not anywhere near as loud. But from behind I was told it would measure 200 db.

Now that freakin loud!

Kevin

[generic]

Re: OT: How loud is an airplane?

I used to work at a international airport and the big jets on the tarmac are around 200 db. I had to have special headphones to protect my ears. It also helps to be in front of the plane as it is not anywhere near as loud. But from behind I was told it would measure 200 db.

Now that freakin loud!

Kevin

200db... Are you sure about that?

http://listverse.com/2007/11/30/top-10-loudest-noises/

[kevin007]

Re: OT: How loud is an airplane?

That is what we were told in training. We were told 200 db and to ware our headphones while the fans were spinning on the planes to keep them on as there were other "sounds" coming from the jets that could damage your ears, not just the loudness.

They had everyone pretty scared about their hearing.

Kevin

[winslow]

Re: OT: How loud is an airplane?

The air gets non-linear at 194, but a shockwave could be over 194.

[Bob Brines]

Re: OT: How loud is an airplane?

Since my "SPL Meter" was on my knee, sort of hidden (All electronic devises off) I doubt it the air vent was contributing much.

During takeoff roll, the noise level IS near painful.

Remember I said I was behind the wing. The SPL will be less ahead of the wing and ahead of the engine exhaust.

Wikipedia says a jet engine at 1 meter is 150dB

Bob

[Melby Audio]

Re: OT: How loud is an airplane?

I measured a take off once, don't remember where I was sitting or what plane it was, (a380?) but I think it was about 90db takeoff and 85 cruising. Don't remember what weighting I used either.

[billfitzmaurice]

Re: OT: How loud is an airplane?

That is what we were told in training. We were told 200 db

No way. An average jet at take off is 180dB, and if you were close enough to it for it to be at that level the turbulence would send you across the runway. A Saturn IV was estimated to be around 195dB.

[donc]

Re: OT: How loud is an airplane?

We just got home from Atlantic City , while waiting for our plane two F-16's (? the small, fast, loaded for bear ,the ones that escort Air Force One ) landed ,then another set then another set , guess they only come in a two pack ,we assumed they only stop there to re-fuel because they leave shortly after landing ,it was quickly obvious on their take off that they are not restricted to meet the same noise level as commercial airlines ,these things were loud ,really loud ! you would not be talking over these I promise you that !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
donc