These efforts will rely on NASA partnerships with the FAA and the aviation community. Without effective action, carbon dioxide emissions from aviation are projected to increase, with the potential to accelerate climate change. Similarly, aviation-generated nitrogen oxides are a suspected cause of ground level ozone at airports, a key contributor to air pollution problems in those localities. NASA s goal is to reduce the impact of aviation-related emissions even given the projected increase in aircraft operations. Strategies center on developing more energy-efficient aircraft, engines, and air traffic management tools.
Aircraft noise is an everyday annoyance to the millions living near airports.
Associated noise restrictions constrain the aircraft industry and limit consumer choices. Noise related concerns limit allowable flight times, inhibit airport construction and expansion, prevent full use of U.S. aerospace products in the world market, and render some aircraft obsolete. Noise is a significant quality of life issue for both airport neighbors and air travelers. NASA s strategies for noise reduction focus on quieter airframes and engines and improved procedures such as glide slopes and flight paths that reduce ground-level noise. The objective is to enable containment of objectionable noise due to aircraft operations to within airport boundaries.