Experimental Assessment of RPAS Noise Measurement Procedures

The diversity of Remotely Pilot Aircraft System (RPAS) configurations in existence today, combined with their novel operational use cases within urban environments, pose a difficult challenge for regulatory bodies when deciding if and how to regulate their noise emissions. Within the scope of providing guidance for the development of future noise standards for RPAS within Canada, an experimental study has been conducted to evaluate the existing noise regulations and measurement procedures relevant to small-RPAS, specifically EU Delegated Regulation 2020/1058 and ISO 5305:2024. Five RPAS, in eight different configurations, were flown as part of the investigation. A general overview of the acoustic emissions associated with these RPAS are presented, along with an assessment of their station keeping capability relative to the recommended accuracy requirements. Furthermore, an assessment of the far-field assumption for small-RPAS is presented and an evaluation of the Sound Power Levels for the DJI Mavic 3 is given.