The Study on Air Force Pilot’s Recognition about Cockpit Noise to Foster Aviation Safety by the Use of Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)

Abstract

Air Force pilots have suffered from extreme cockpit noise. While the noise levels of commercial aircraft have been decreased, the noise levels of tactical fighter jets have been increased due to the requirement for more thrust and maneuvering performance on the battlefield. The cockpit of a fighter jet is extremely noisy and its average levels range from 95 to 105 dB (Bharath et al., 2016). This value exceeds the permissible exposure limit of OSHA's (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) noise standard of 90 dB.The extreme noise in the cockpit has been perceived as a severe problem since the noise can take a toll on pilots physiologically and psychologically (James, 2005).The physiological effects of noise are ear discomfort, ear pain, eardrum rupture, hearing impairment, Temporary Threshold Shift (TTS),