NTi Audio level meters for model aircraft world cup

The European Championship for radio controlled aerobatic model aircraft has been running since 1965. This year’s competition, as part of the F3A-World Cup, was held in Liechtenstein from 11 to 19 July 2014NTi Audio supported the event by providing calibrated class 1 sound level meters.

The noise emission of each aircraft entered in to the competition is checked before the start and must not exceed the prescribed level of 94 dBA. NTi Audio provided calibrated class 1 sound level meters to ensure the comfort and watching pleasure of the audience and competitors alike.

“The competition regulations prescribe these emission levels,” says Peter Kunkel, technical director of this illustrious event. “We know we can count on the NTi Audio XL2 Acoustic Analyzer as it is very easy to use and provides reliable, consistent results. We defined a profile in the XL2 before the event to provide us with the maximum level over a fixed period. This gave us a repeatable measurement process.”

During the week-long event, teams completed several hundred flights, with a new flight up to every 10 minutes. The maximum noise emission of every aircraft was tested before each flight. For the test, the aircraft had to be standing on the floor and operating at full power for a period of 10 seconds. The measurement microphone was located at an angle of 90° to the direction of flight, at a distance of 3 m and a height of 30 cm.

The maximum A-weighted sound level was measured and must not exceed 94 dBA. Furthermore, a random selection of pilots were asked to repeat the test immediately after the flight. Exceeding the maximum level during this final test constitutes grounds for disqualification. To assure the competitors that the measurements are 100% accurate, two calibrated class 1 measuring systems were available during the entire event.