Pilot Assistance System Enables Low-Noise Landings

October 3, 2019

The Low Noise Augmentation System being tested onboard an Airbus A320 DLR research aircraft. (Picture: Empa)

Approach and landing are among the most complex phases of a flight. In order to enable pilots to fly as quietly as possible, the German Aerospace Center (DLR) developed the Low Noise Augmentation System (LNAS), a pilot assistance system that uses a display in the cockpit to show pilots exactly what action to take for a low-noise approach.

During each approach, the configuration of the test aircraft is recorded, i.e. the power of the engines, the position of the landing flaps, the airbrakes, and the landing gear. All these data flow into a noise simulation program that models the noise caused by the flight. Detailed noise maps are then produced from the simulation data, documenting the effects of the LNAS assistance system in the region around the airport and showing differences to conventional approaches.

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