Community perceptions on noise pollution generated by aircraft in Cape Town

Abstract

Airport operations have become a major source of concern due to aircraft nOIse, particularly in areas close to airports and aircraft flight tracks. Public opposition to aircraft noise is a threat to the continued growth of civil aviation in South Africa. This study investigated the psychological effects of aircraft noise on residents and school activities at a neighbourhood close to the airport, particularly the area located under the flight tracks or adjacent to the landing and departure pattern of aircraft. Bishop Lavis was chosen as the experimental area and Kensington, about 17km away from the airport, was chosen as a control area. Questionnaires coupled with oral interviews and observations were used to gather information. The findings are focused on annoyance and disturbance. The study revealed that noise exposure caused annoyance, activity disturbance and some mild effects on school results, when compared with the control area. Disturbances were experienced in some activities that need concentration. Aircraft noise also caused communication interference, sleep deprivation and affected the teaching process. The community at the experimental area indicated some non-acoustical effects, such as fear of aircraft crashing over their homes but they indicated no willingness to leave the area. As such, it becomes essential when locating and designing airports to optimise flight paths in a way to reduce noise exposure to nearby communities. Recommendations for mitigation of noise exposure are proposed, which include operational procedure, banning chapter I and 2 aircraft, restricting night flights, proper land use planning and enforcing international environmental regulations.