Airplane Noises Explained

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Air travel is not a quiet proposition. From the roar of the engines at take-off to the monotonous hiss of pressurized air being recycled into the cabin, there is never a still moment, except for those passengers who invested in noise-canceling headphones. Curious travelers might wonder where these noises come from. Nervous fliers likewise seek explanations, not because of curiosity, but to calm their nerves.

Here are the sources of some of the most common noises that passengers are likely to hear on take-off, in-flight, and at landing.

What's the rattling noise and bumpiness right before take off?
While rolling down the runway for take off, it is normal to hear (and feel) the plane going over bumps. These small imperfections in the runway are not dangerous and occur because of use and weathering. However, the sounds will most likely be drowned out by the engines as the plane accelerates quickly for take off. At some times during take off, it is natural to hear rattling or bumping in the cabin. As the plane accelerates, carry-on luggage might shift and tables, seats, or other furnishings might rattle. This is completely normal and is likely to occur even on the newest aircraft.

I feel and hear noise coming from right under my seat...
After the plane is in the air, Passengers sitting over the wheels might hear the noise of machinery coming from under their feet. This is the sound of the landing gears being retracted. On smaller planes, passengers might even be able to feel a bump as the landing gear doors close.

Another mechanical noise that might occur comes from the use of wing flaps. These are used to help the airplane climb to cruising altitude. When the pilot moves the wing flaps, up or down, there may be a mechanical noise similar to the retraction of the landing gears.

In cruising altitude, why is there a lot of shaking and a sense of "free falling"?
The noise level is significantly reduced when the plane reaches cruising altitude. However, when turbulence occurs, there may be some unfamiliar sounds. Turbulence is caused by pockets of air that move strongly upwards or downwards. Turbulence can cause the plane to move quickly up and down without warning. The feeling is usually akin to riding on a rough road in a car. The plane may shake slightly, causing luggage and equipment to shift and rattle. Moderate turbulence can cause the plane to "fall" briefly. This can cause an unpleasant sensation and a "thump" noise. However, there is no real danger when this type of turbulence is encountered.

Descent, landing and why your ears pop
Most passengers find the noisiest part of the flight to be the descent and landing. As the plane descends, the pressure in the cabin changes. This can cause the ears of passengers to "pop." This is also when the pilots are most actively in control of the plane. They may speed up or slow down depending on the flight plan and the instructions from the control tower. Passengers might be aware of the changes in hum of the engines. Flaps are also used in the descent. The same mechanical sounds heard at take-off are heard again. However, changes in pressure may make these familiar sounds seem different. This is because it takes time for passengers'hearing to adjust to the new cabin pressure.

At landing, the plane's tires might screech slightly as they touch the runway and the contents of the plane and the planes body shift with the impact. Rattling and shaking are normal.

Save the loudest for last
Once the wheels touch down, the engine thrust is reversed to slow the plane down. This whooshing sound is the loudest that the engine will seem during the entire flight. These noises last for only a short time. They are the last things that a passenger will hear before the captain or flight attendant announces the arrival on the p.a. system.