Despite some concerns from employees and labor groups, a federal government study finds that the noise in airplane cabins and cockpits likely does not exceed OSHA noise exposure limits.
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The Government Accounting Office (GAO) reviewed studies that measure noise in the cabin and in the cockpit. Though none of the studies found levels that clearly exceeded the OSHA standard, two studies found that noise over long periods in certain types of aircraft “may reach the more restrictive exposure limit published by NIOSH.”
GAO says OSHA and the Federal Aviation Administration have received few complaints from crewmembers related to aircraft noise levels. But labor groups had expressed concern, especially about the noise from older equipment. As part of the inquiry, GAO reviewed OSHA standards, NIOSH recommendations, and complaints; analyzed reports; and interviewed officials from FAA, OSHA, NIOSH, labor groups, and aircraft manufacturers.
OSHA enforces its noise requirements in aircraft cabins and FAA oversees safety, including noise exposure, in cockpits. As a result of the findings, GAO says it is not making recommendations for changes.