Pillet, Priscille – ACNUSA and sanctions against airline noise (2019)

Pillet, Priscille - ACNUSA and administrative sanctions for airline noise (2019)

University of Aix-Marseille, IFURTA

The pleasant and enjoyable sensation of aircraft noise in 1960 was quickly replaced by a sensation of irritation requiring measures to prevent it. The need for a regulatory authority for airport noise pollution was then felt. In France, the Airport Noise Control Authority (ACNUSA) was created in 1999 to ensure the protection of local residents from these nuisances. It will measure the level of nuisance and punish the perpetrators.

In this interesting Master's thesis on air transport law and management, the author nevertheless points out that with the arrival of low-cost airlines, while the quantity of nuisance is set to increase, its intensity has decreased. Today, aircraft noise has been reduced by 75% compared to first generation aircraft: an Airbus A320 makes a hundred times less noise than a Caravelle.

The Chicago Convention imposes a first classification of aircraft according to their noise emissions. The author also reviews the other European noise abatement systems and the European legislation on the subject

Priscille Pillet describes the instruments available to the French authorities: powers of investigation and recommendation, noise exposure plans, noise nuisance plans, taxes, flight and trajectory restrictions, limitations on ground operations (APU and engine operating times), administrative sanctions, etc. She also examines the remedies available to airlines.

It examines the fines imposed by ACNUSA since its creation and their dissuasive nature. It notes that the doubling of the ceiling on fines has not had the desired effect since the number of violations has not fallen sharply.

ACNUSA is currently the most developed and comprehensive noise regulation system in the world. However, despite its reputation, the authority brings together very different interests and its effectiveness is conditioned by the search for a balance between economic development on the one hand and the protection of airport residents on the other.

The author explores possible improvements, new challenges and the need for real technological breakthroughs in the field.

This thesis received the 2021 prize of the Académie de l'Air et de l'Espace (Toulouse).

109 pages - in French