The results of the helicopter noise study at the 26 Mile residential area came out exactly as predicted. Helicopters make noise at a level that bothers some people and not others.
The fault in the study is that the flight path and elevation of the helicopter was not regulated or monitored. In addition, nine flights is an extremely low sample. The noise monitoring stations were set up, but no official was there to tell the pilot where and at what elevation to fly. This lack of data parameters and scientific analysis renders the study useless.
In addition, weather data for the days that the monitors were in place was not collected or factored in. Wind direction and velocity affect the soundscape. The microphones had wind shields on them but this has no relation to how the rotor noise is affected by the wind.
The 70 DNL standard used for comparison in a wooded residential area is also subjective. Most people living in the Chilkat Valley want peace and quiet at home. This local standard may be 25 DNL. That is why there are noise ordinances in residential areas. Dogs barking, heavy equipment working, chainsaws and helicopters are all considered a nuisance and annoyance.
The fact of the matter is that heliports do not belong in residential areas. Spending $40,000 on a noise study was a waste of our public resources. All commercial aviation needs to take off and land at the Haines Airport.
Thom Ely