The Environment & Energy (E&E) Research and Development (R&D) Portfolio is producing data and knowledge that are the scientific and technical foundation for decision making and the development of mitigation approaches for aviation noise and emissions.

The E&E R&D Portfolio is advancing our understanding of the impacts of aviation noise on community annoyance, sleep, health, and children’s learning. It is also advancing our understanding of aircraft emissions and their impacts on air quality, the global climate, and the ozone layer. The E&E R&D Portfolio has a focus on the particulate matter emissions from aviation. 

International Civil Aviation Organization’s (ICAO) Committee on Aviation Environmental Protection (CAEP)

Technologies that reduce noise and emissions are regulated as a part of type certification. These environmental standards are harmonized internationally through the International Civil Aviation Organization’s (ICAO) Committee on Aviation Environmental Protection (CAEP). A significant portion of the E&E R&D Portfolio is devoted to informing decision making at ICAO CAEP to ensure that effective standards are developed.

Noise Research

The E&E R&D Portfolio also supports noise measurements of new entrants to aid in the development of airworthiness noise certification requirements. The E&E R&D Portfolio, in close collaboration with industry, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), and international partners through ICAO CAEP, is providing the technical basis for a review and possible modification of existing regulations to enable the development and growth of supersonic air transportation. Efforts under this Portfolio will also help the FAA understand the noise that is generated by unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and advanced air mobility (AAM) vehicles, which are sometimes referred to as electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) vehicles. These activities will provide the foundation the FAA requires to address certification and standards for noise before these vehicles enter service as well as to develop operational procedures concepts that could reduce their noise. This work will help ensure that FAA has adequate information to establish any needed environmental policy regarding the certification and operation of these aircraft.