How loud is a plane landing?
At the standard approach noise point, 2 km before the runway threshold, FAA estimates give peak levels of 87.5 dBA for a Boeing 737-800, 91.0 dBA for a Boeing 777-300 and 97.8 dBA for a Boeing 747-100 at maximum landing weight.
- Level
- 87.5–97.8 dBA maxA-weighted maximum sound level
- Daily limit
- 25 min a dayNIOSH, at the loud end
- Versus conversation
- 1,035× energyabout 8.1× as loud
What the numbers mean
How it was measured. FAA estimated maximum A-weighted levels at the 14 CFR Part 36 Appendix C approach point (2,000 m from the runway threshold) at maximum landing weight: Boeing 737-800 87.5 dBA, Boeing 777-300 91.0 dBA, Boeing 747-100 97.8 dBA.
The approach measuring point used in noise certification sits 2,000 metres from the runway threshold, where an arriving aircraft is low and close. FAA Advisory Circular 36-3H estimates the maximum A-weighted level there at 87.5 dBA for a Boeing 737-800 with CFM56-7B24 engines and full landing flap, 91.0 dBA for a Boeing 777-300 with PW4098 engines and 97.8 dBA for a Boeing 747-100.
For the 737-800 the approach figure is higher than its take-off figure of 76.8 dBA, because the take-off point lies much further from the runway, by which time the aircraft has climbed away. US rules require jets to use the minimum certificated landing flap setting for normal approaches, so the FAA also lists estimates with reduced flap, because flap setting changes the noise.
How long is safe?
NIOSH recommends no more than 25 min a day at 97.8 dBA (4 h 29 min at 87.5). OSHA's legal limit is 2 h 43 min. This is a maximum, so a time limit based on it is a worst case.
| Level | NIOSH limit (85 dBA, 3 dB rule) | OSHA limit (90 dBA, 5 dB rule) | UK/EU 80 dB(A) action value reached after | UK/EU 85 dB(A) action value reached after |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 87.5 dBA | 4 h 29 min | No limit | 1 h 25 min | 4 h 30 min |
| 97.8 dBA | 25 min | 2 h 43 min | 7 min 58 s | 25 min |
Times are for a whole day’s exposure, with the rest of the day quiet. The workplace limits were written for adults at work, not for children. Work out a mixed day with the noise dose calculator.
Protecting your hearing
Homes under a final approach hear frequent, low passes; closed windows and good glazing are the main defence. Plane-spotters at the runway end are close to these levels and above, so earplugs are sensible for a long session.
Earplug and earmuff ratings (NRR in the US, SNR in the UK and EU) are lab figures; real-world protection is usually lower. How to read the ratings.
Compared with sounds nearby
Using midpoints of each range. Energy multiplies by 10 every 10 dB; perceived loudness roughly doubles (why).
- Gym fitness class (85.6–93.1 dBA): this has about 2.1× its sound energy and sounds about 1.3× as loud.
- London Underground (80–100 dBA): this has about 1.8× its sound energy and sounds about 1.2× as loud.
- Strimmer (string trimmer) (87.9–101.5 dBA): it has about 1.6× the sound energy of this and sounds about 1.2× as loud.
- Tractor (91.7–100 dBA): it has about 2.1× the sound energy of this and sounds about 1.2× as loud.
- Normal conversation (55–70 dBA): this has about 1,035× its energy and sounds about 8.1× as loud.
Questions
Are planes louder taking off or landing?
It depends where you are. At the certification points, a 737-800 is estimated at 87.5 dBA on approach (2 km from the threshold) and 76.8 dBA on take-off (6.5 km from the start of roll).
How loud is a jumbo jet landing?
The FAA estimate for a Boeing 747-100 at the approach point is 97.8 dBA.
Sources
- AC 36-3H Change 1: Estimated Airplane Noise Levels in A-Weighted Decibels, US Federal Aviation Administration. Supports: dB_low 87.5 dBA (737-800 approach).
BOEING B-737-800 CFM56-7B24 146.30 87.5
Checked 2026-11-03. - AC 36-3H Change 1: Estimated Airplane Noise Levels in A-Weighted Decibels, US Federal Aviation Administration. Supports: dB_high 97.8 dBA (747-100 approach).
BOEING B-747-100 JT9D-7F 585.00 97.8
Checked 2026-11-03. - AC 36-3H Change 1: Estimated Airplane Noise Levels in A-Weighted Decibels, US Federal Aviation Administration. Supports: 777-300 91.0 dBA.
BOEING B-777-300 PW4098 524.00 91.0
Checked 2026-11-03. - AC 36-3H Change 1: Estimated Airplane Noise Levels in A-Weighted Decibels, US Federal Aviation Administration. Supports: 737-800 take-off comparison.
BOEING B-737-800 CFM56-7B24 174.20 76.8
Checked 2026-11-03. - AC 36-3G: Estimated Airplane Noise Levels in A-Weighted Decibels, US Federal Aviation Administration. Supports: approach point is 2,000 m from the threshold (OCR text of the FAA PDF).
from the runwaythresholdfor approach
Checked 2026-11-03.
This page is general information, not medical advice. If you have ringing in your ears, muffled hearing or any change in your hearing, see an audiologist or your doctor.