rip wrote in message om...
As an AOPA Airport Support Network volunteer, noise is a HUGE issue.
The problem with aircraft noise is, I think, twofold. One, it comes from
an unusual direction (overhead)which is probably hard-wired in the human
nervous system as a "panic, panic, danger in the trees" response. Two,
and perhaps more important, aircraft noise is intermittent. Folks can
get used to ungodly noise levels IF they are consistent.

there is also a fair bit of irrational hatred of the unknown; usually
these complaints come along with the usual stereotype of the 'rich boy's toys';
just spend some time at your local town meeting... I even heard folks
complaining about the noise from a local glider port (winch launch only);
i.e., no matter of noise abatment effort, silencers, etc. could beat that.
Just seeing people enjoying themselves can trigger rather interesting
responses from some people; plus don't forget the folks who hope for
the airport closure jackpot, increasing the value of their property
(bought at discount rate since near an airport), making it possible
for them to buy something better *elsewhere*... i.e., noise is only
at tiny part of the issue.

--Sylvain