Hi MSFS Team and Community,
I’ve got an idea that I think would add a fantastic layer of realism and immersion to Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, especially for those of us who enjoy taking on the role of pilots in busy urban airports.
My suggestion is to implement Approach and Departure Noise Monitoring at airports. Here’s how it could work and why I think it would enhance the flight experience.
How It Could Work:
- Noise Monitoring Zones: Many airports around the world have noise-sensitive areas, particularly during takeoff and landing. MSFS could simulate these zones around certain airports, and based on your flight path and altitude during approach and departure, the simulator could track the noise impact of your aircraft.
- In-Flight Notifications: Within 5 minutes after departure, you’d receive a notification on your screen indicating the noise level generated during your departure (for example, in decibels). The notification would also inform you whether your noise levels exceeded the airport’s noise restrictions.
- End of Flight Report: For more detailed feedback, the noise levels could be included in the flight report, giving you insights into your overall flight performance in terms of both fuel efficiency and environmental impact. The report could specify any violations of noise abatement procedures or highlight how well you adhered to them.
Gameplay and Immersion:
- Realistic Flight Planning: This would encourage pilots to plan their takeoff and landing strategies more carefully, particularly at noise-sensitive airports. Pilots would need to consider runway direction, wind conditions, and optimal climb rates to minimize noise pollution.
- Noise Abatement Procedures: Some airports have strict noise abatement procedures, requiring pilots to climb quickly to certain altitudes or maintain specific routes to avoid noise-sensitive areas. Implementing this feature would give virtual pilots an extra challenge—sticking to these procedures to avoid penalties or warnings on their flight report.
- Penalty or Feedback System: For players who enjoy the added realism, airports could have penalty systems where frequent noise violations result in certain “warnings” or virtual fines (purely for immersion, of course). On the flip side, pilots who successfully adhere to noise restrictions could earn points or achievements, reinforcing positive flying habits.
How It Could Be Coded:
- Noise Data Calculation: The game would simulate the decibel level based on several factors:
- Aircraft type (heavier, older planes are typically noisier).
- Altitude at certain points in the departure or approach phases.
- Throttle levels and engine performance.
- Airport Noise Restrictions Database: Airports could have a database of noise restrictions that vary by time of day or runway used. For example, certain airports may have stricter noise limits during nighttime operations.
- Post-Departure Notification System: After takeoff, a simple check could run based on your path through the noise monitoring zones, returning a decibel reading and comparing it to the airport’s restrictions.
- Flight Report Integration: The end-of-flight report system could be modified to include noise data. This could be presented alongside other metrics like fuel consumption, landing smoothness, and adherence to ATC instructions.
I believe this feature would really resonate with players who enjoy a high level of immersion and realism, while also adding a meaningful challenge to flying at busy, urban airports.
It would also shine a light on a real-world aspect of aviation that pilots and airlines deal with regularly. Plus, it would help virtual pilots fine-tune their skills and awareness of environmental considerations during flights.
Looking forward to hearing thoughts from the community and hopefully seeing this feature make its way into MSFS 2024!
Safe skies