Definition
Unwanted electrical or acoustic signals that are present in a communication or audio system in addition to the desired signal. Background noise can come from atmospheric interference, electrical equipment, engine and airflow sounds in the cockpit, or random circuit activity within the radio itself, and it reduces the clarity of the wanted signal.
Plain English
Any extra sound or signal mixed in with what you are actually trying to hear. It is the hiss, hum, static, or cockpit roar that sits behind the voice or tone you want.
Context Anchor
Heard during radio calls, intercom use, headset checks, and cockpit communication.
Why Pilots Care
Excessive background noise can obscure critical radio calls, ATC instructions, or unusual engine sounds, reducing situational awareness.
Intuition Check
Background noise is not just any sound in the background. In aviation, the key point is that it interferes with hearing the sound or message you actually need.
Example Sentence 1
The controller asked the pilot to say again because background noise on the frequency made the read-back unreadable.
Example Sentence 2
High background noise in the intercom forced the crew to speak louder to be understood.