Izvorni znanstveni članak
https://doi.org/10.31306/s.68.3.4
Noise exposure of flight and cabin crew: Differences between old (Dash 8–q400) and new (Airbus a220–300) generation aircraft in the context of acoustics and materials
Barbara Dobrenić
; University of Zagreb, Faculty of Metallurgy, Sisak, Croatia
Natalija Dolić
; University of Zagreb, Faculty of Metallurgy, Sisak, Croatia
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* Dopisni autor.
Sažetak
Noise in commercial aviation is a significant stressor in the work environment and can adversely affect health, safety, and the performance of flight and cabin crew duties. The aim of this paper was to compare noise levels in the passenger cabins of older and newer aircraft generations and to analyse the subjective perception of noise exposure and related health complaints among crew members.
The experimental part of this article involved measuring A-weighted sound levels in the passenger cabins of Dash 8–Q400 and Airbus A220–300 aircraft during five flight phases. Measurements were conducted as short-term phase assessments, with results presented as minimum and maximum noise level values. A survey was also conducted among cabin crew (n = 55) and flight crew (n = 24) to assess noise exposure, subjective noise level assessment, frequency of health complaints, and use of hearing protection measures. The measurement results indicate higher noise levels and more pronounced peak acoustic loads during key flight phases in the older-generation turboprop aircraft (Dash 8–Q400), especially during take-off and landing, while the newer-generation turbofan aircraft (Airbus A220–300) exhibited lower and more uniform noise levels in the passenger cabin. Survey results confirm greater exposure and more frequent reported disturbances among cabin crew compared to flight crew, as well as the perception that newer-generation aircraft are quieter. In addition, structural–material differences between the examined aircraft types, particularly regarding fuselage configuration and material selection, may represent an additional factor influencing the observed cabin noise characteristics. The results highlight the need for continued monitoring of noise exposure in aviation and emphasise the importance of combining technical, organizational, and personal protective measures to reduce the potential negative effects of noise on crew health.
Ključne riječi
Hrčak ID:
351749
URI
Datum izdavanja:
4.10.2026.
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