An aircraft’s longevity and safety are dependent on a lot of factors. Technicians use several methods to evaluate an aircraft’s health and sound is one of them. It is used to assess the quality of the aircraft by judging several parts such as aircraft exhaust components, aircraft engine mounts, and more. Moreover, as an aircraft goes through different stages, it creates different noises, which might or might not be a matter of concern.
However, you should be aware of the noises and sounds of the aircraft. This is necessary to ensure that there is nothing wrong with the aircraft and that it is safe for flight. This is considered a part of the basic aircraft maintenance procedure.
Modern aircraft are highly complex machines, and they have an array of moving parts that make different sounds that you might not have heard before.
This blog post mentions some common sounds an aircraft produces that you must know about. We will assess them from the start of the flight until its finish to know which sounds are involved and what to expect.
Shaking And Banging Sounds
Many times, you may hear the shaking and banging sounds at the gate. If you are a passenger, you might have noticed that the aircraft may shake, whirr, and even whine. This is normal and is not a matter of concern. This mostly occurs because of the cargo bin located below the cabin.
Such sounds might also be caused by the APU (auxiliary power unit). This is a small jet engine located at the tail of most aircraft. This makes characteristic engine sounds that one can hear from a cabin.
Moreover, other shaking and banging sounds might also come out of the engine. There are tons of different parts in an engine, such as engine mounts, aircraft exhaust systems, and more. So, any abnormal sound may indicate an underlying problem with the engine and its parts.
Such sounds give an indication of a problem with the engine. This is a good way for aircraft welders or expert technicians to take steps to minimize that issue.
Change In The Gaspers
The air vents of the cabin are called gaspers. The term refers to an adjustable air outlet situated above each passenger seat. The air that comes out of these gaspers is provided by the APU to the air conditioner which then diverts it to each passenger.
Sometimes when the air conditioning or heating starts and you open the gasper, the trapper air makes its way out of the outlet which can result in howling and whirring sounds.
Passengers usually find these sounds scary and associate them with some sort of malfunction in the aircraft. However, this is completely normal and does not indicate that there is an issue.
Noises From The Engine
You might hear different noises from an aircraft during the take-off phase. These might include sounds coming from the engine, flaps, landing gear, and aerodynamic noise. The engine has to create a strong force to propel the aircraft into the air at a high speed.
As a result, noises come out of the engine due to the shearing of the air masses. Moreover, the high-speed air coming out of the engine smashes through the atmosphere that causes noise. These aerodynamic noises are produced as the air and other environmental particles strike the airplane's body.
During landing, the wheels and brakes might also create strange sounds like groaning noises until the wheels are completely stopped.
Final Words
Aircraft assessment through analyzing the sounds produced is necessary to ensure that it is in perfect working condition. The sounds mentioned above are the most common. In addition to this, an aircraft can produce other sounds as well, such as for descent, landing, and reverse thrusters. Upon observing any unusual sound, it is best that you call an aviation expert who can assist you in this process.
About Acorn Welding
Acorn Welding has a hub of experienced aircraft technicians and welders who always make sure that your aircraft is in perfect condition. Whether it is a commercial jet, a private one, or your vintage plane, we always ensure to deliver our best possible services.
Acorn Welding is your quality "One Stop Shop" for aircraft exhaust and engine mounts. Serving customers worldwide, we are Canada's largest aircraft exhaust and engine mounts repair company and the world's largest radial and vintage aircraft exhaust repair company. Click here to get in touch with us.
