White Noise

White noise in the context of aviation is a term used to describe the general background noise within a flight cabin, often characterized by a low hum or hiss. It's not a specific type of noise with a particular history, but rather a description of the soundscape within the aircraft. The sound is a result of airflow, engine noise, and other sources contributing to a mix of frequencies.

Detailed Breakdown

1. What it is

• White noise in aviation refers to the overall noise level inside an aircraft cabin, not a specific noise source or type.
• It's a combination of various sound sources, including airflow, engine sounds, and other mechanical noises.
• It's characterized by a low hum or hiss, rather than distinct, high-pitched sounds.

2. How it's created

• The sound is a result of a variety of sources within the aircraft.
• Engine noise, airflow, and the operation of various systems contribute to the background noise.
• The specific characteristics of the white noise (e.g., the intensity and frequency distribution) can vary depending on the aircraft type and operating conditions.

3. Historical Context

• The concept of "white noise" in aviation is not tied to a specific historical invention or development.
• It's simply a descriptive term for the overall sound environment within a flight cabin.
• Over time, engineers and designers have focused on improving noise reduction measures in aircraft to create a more comfortable and less noisy flying experience.

4. Other Types of Noise

• Pink noise: This term refers to a type of noise where the energy is distributed across frequencies, with lower frequencies having higher energy levels. Air Canada enRoute
• Brown noise: This noise is characterized by a deeper, bass-heavy sound with less of a hiss than white noise.
• Aircraft noise pollution: This refers to the broader issue of noise pollution caused by aircraft, encompassing noise on the ground, during take-off, landing, and in flight. Wikipedia