AIP grant funds: The Airport Improvement Program (AIP) is a federal grant program that provides funding for eligible airport projects, such as the Sound Insulation Program.

Avigation Easement: In order to receive the proposed sound insulation modifications, the homeowner(s) must sign an avigation easement which grants LNAA the right of flight over the residence. The easement does not limit homeowner(s) rights in cases of negligence or accident.

Construction Agreement: The homeowner(s) must sign a Construction Agreement outlining the responsibilities of each party and agreeing to the proposed package of sound insulation modifications. Once the Construction Agreement is signed, the homeowner(s) are obligated to receive the sound insulation modifications.

Day-Night Average Sound Level (DNL): DNL is a method of averaging total sound energy over a 24-hour period. In the DNL calculation, all flights between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. have a 10 dB (decibel) penalty added to them before they are averaged in with the daytime flights. This is because nighttime flights are more intrusive than similar daytime events. Since DNL is an average, it does not reflect how loud an individual flyover is at any given house. Homes that are currently located in the 65 - 69 DNL contour on the approved Noise Exposure Map may be eligible for sound insulation.

Decibel (dB): Sound energy is measured in units called decibels. The decibel scale does not increase or decrease using standard arithmetic. For example, reducing a noise level by 3 dB actually means the sound energy has been cut in half. For example, a noise level of 65 dB has half as much sound energy as a noise measuring 68 dB.

FAA: Federal Aviation Administration: U.S. Department of Transportation agency that oversees civil aviation.

Lehigh-Northampton Airport Authority (LNAA): The governing body of the Lehigh Valley International Airport.

Noise Exposure Map: This map shows the DNL noise contours which are used to determine eligibility for the Sound Insulation Program.

Noise Test: This test, conducted by Wyle Laboratories, lasts approximately 1-2 hours. The acoustical engineer will measure existing noise levels by artificially producing aircraft noise inside the home using a loudspeaker and measuring the sound transmission properties of the home.

FAR Part 150 Noise Compatibility Study: A voluntary program that allows an airport to work with the local community (homeowners and elected officials), airlines, FAA, and other interested parties to determine feasible and reasonable solutions to the impact of aircraft noise on communities surrounding the airport.

Pre-modification Survey: A brief questionnaire concerning your feelings about the current noise environment in the various habitable rooms of your home.

Post-modification Survey: A brief questionnaire concerning your feelings about noise in your home after completion of the sound insulation modifications.

Request to Participate (RTP): This document gives the Sound Insulation Program permission to perform tests and measurements on your home to determine what modifications are necessary to achieve the required sound reduction goals. This document must be signed by all owners of the home listed on the title of the home. This document does not bind you to receiving the sound insulation modifications.

RSIP: Residential Sound Insulation Program

STC rating: STC stands for Sound Transmission Class. This is the standard way of rating sound insulation qualities in building products. A higher STC rating means better noise reduction. For example, brand new thermo-pane windows typically provide an STC of 28-32. Our designs require acoustical windows with a minimum STC rating of 40.