Noise Impact of Drones and Electric Aircraft in Advanced Air Mobility

Project Team

Principal Investigator:

Dr. John Kennedy

Research Fellow:

Dr. Marco Aurélio de Oliveira

Overview

Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) represents a major shift in how people and goods will move through urban and regional environments in the coming decades. Powered by electric propulsion and automation, drones and electric aircraft are being developed at pace by major global players such as Amazon, Uber, Toyota, Airbus, and Embraer. These technologies promise faster, cleaner, and more flexible transport options—transforming short-distance mobility within and between cities.

In addition to offering convenience, AAM has the potential to deliver substantial environmental and societal benefits. Electric propulsion can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions compared to conventional transport modes, particularly in last-mile logistics. By easing demand on ground-based traffic, AAM could also alleviate urban congestion, improve air quality, and reduce travel times. However, these benefits must be balanced against new challenges—especially those related to environmental noise.

Noise is a key public concern in the deployment of AAM. Operating at low altitudes (100–600 meters), drones and electric aircraft can generate intrusive sound levels in populated areas, potentially disturbing residents and exacerbating the urban noise burden. According to a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) survey, 73% of respondents identified noise as a primary concern regarding drone operations. This project, funded by the HEAD-Genuit Foundation, seeks to address these challenges by investigating the acoustic impact of AAM technologies on urban soundscapes and community perception. Through a combination of technical noise analysis and social research, the project aims to inform the design and regulation of quieter, community-friendly aerial systems that support sustainable and socially accepted transport futures.

Funding Agency

HEAD-Genuit Foundation