Aviation Noise
The Regina Airport Authority coordinates noise mitigation for aircraft operating to and from the Regina International Airport (YQR) within a 10 nautical mile radius of the Airport except where such noise is related to aircraft en-route operations. The RAA noise program focuses on the takeoff, ascent, descent, approach and terminal phases of flight that operate in and out of the airport directly. Aircraft noise related to other operations or that are beyond a 10 nautical mile range, are outside the scope of the RAA’s program.
Noise Exposure Forecast
The Noise Exposure Forecast (NEF) is the officially recognized metric used in Canada for airport noise assessment and adjacent land development.
The NEF calculates the sound generated by individual aircraft types expected to operate at the airport, and adjusts for the number of operations that are forecast to occur. Due to the higher social impacts of night time noise, aircraft movements at night are factored to have 16.7 times the impact of daytime movements. These contours designate areas of equal noise exposure and thereby provide information to assist in planning for compatible land uses. Since the computer-generated result is a compendium of factors, it cannot be directly related to measured noise.
Generally, three contours are generated to delineate areas of individual noise ranges (greater than NEF 40, NEF 35-40, and NEF 30-35). At extended distances from aircraft flight paths, ambient noise levels typically dominate. Noise contours, in conjunction with a set of guidelines, are to be used to encourage compatible land use in the vicinity of the airport site.
The Transport Canada guidelines, Land Use in the Vicinity of Airports, 8th Edition, 2005, provide community response predictions by noise contour ranges. The Regina Airport Authority shares both the guidelines and the NEFs with local governments to assist in land use planning around the airport.
How to Submit a Noise Inquiry
Please use the form below and provide as much information as possible. A member of our team will review the inquiry and generally respond within 3 – 5 business days.