The FAA’s final rule on civil tiltrotor noise limits and conditions for noise compliance measurement becomes effective March 11. It amends regulations governing noise certification standards and establishes new noise limits and procedures to ensure that noise-reduction technology is incorporated in tiltrotors.
This final rule applies to issuance of original type certificates, type certificate changes and issuance of standard airworthiness certificates. It creates noise standards applicable to all tiltrotors–currently the only civil design is the AgustaWestland AW609–and incorporates the same standards as ICAO Annex 16, Chapter 13, Attachment F. The FAA believes these noise certification standards will facilitate startup and development of a new commercial class of aircraft. It places the cost of complying with the final noise rule at $588,000 for one tiltrotor type, about the same as for a traditional helicopter design.
