Glossary of Terms

Acoustical: Conditions or products related to hearing, noise or sound.

Avigation Easement: The Avigation Easement will grant the use of airspace; the right of free, unrestricted, and unobstructed overflight, and the effects that may result from the over-flight of aircraft, aircraft taking off and/or landing at TUS. The easement will run in perpetuity with the property.

Day-Night Level (DNL): Average Annual Sound Levels that represent the sound levels over a 24-hour period, while taking into account quiet periods as well as aircraft over- flights. For flights that occur after 10PM and before 7AM, these events receive a 10 dB penalty.  The DNL noise exposure contours in the affected residential neighborhoods are 75 DNL to 65 DNL. 

Decibel (dB): A unit of measure for the vibration (low rumble or high whistle) and strength (soft or loud) of sound waves. The higher the decibel level (vibration and strength), the louder the sound. Most sounds we experience in our day-to-day lives vary between 30 dB (a typical bedroom at night) and 100 dB (inside a nightclub).

Eligibility: Qualified to participate in the Sound Insulation Program by having a home located in the designated treatment areas and with an existing interior noise level that meets the FAA guidelines.

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA): The branch of the federal government which provides funding and oversight of the Sound Insulation Program project.

Homeowner Agreement: An agreement between a homeowner and the Tucson Airport Authority that authorizes the installation of specific sound insulation treatments at a given residential property.

Tucson International Airport (TUS): The Airport is run and operated by Tucson Airport Authority and includes the sponsorship of a Residential Sound Insulation Program.

Noise Level Reduction (NLR): Noise level reduction is measured in decibels and is defined as a constant numerical value between the interior noise level and the exterior noise level. This measurement is taken before and after acoustical treatments to determine the overall improvement in noise level reduction. This value will be used to compare the post-construction interior noise levels in the home to the FAA goal of below 45 DNL (Day-Night Level).

Noise Paths: The areas where environmental noise can travel from the outside through the home’s construction, with the greatest flow through doors, windows, vents, and/or lightly constructed wall and ceiling assemblies.

Punch List: A “to do” list made near the completion of construction work indicating the items that remain unfinished, or that do not meet the quality requirements specified in the scope of work. The Punch List must be satisfied prior to 100% completion.

Program Team: Personnel from the program managers, architects and engineers who will go to each home to gather information and make treatment recommendations.

RSIP: Residential Sound Insulation Project

Insulation: The application of residential sound insulation can include some or all of the following: replacing or supplementing windows and doors; installing attic insulation; caulking and sealing.  This is a voluntary program. Homeowners may decline to participate.