Definition
A category of factors, established by the FAA, that influence aircraft noise levels and are addressed through aircraft type design, ongoing maintenance practices, and operating procedures used by flight crews. These factors are considered when certifying aircraft for noise compliance and when developing operational techniques to reduce community noise impact.
Plain English
A grouping the FAA uses to describe the three things that affect how much noise an aircraft makes: how the aircraft is built and set up, how it is kept in good working order, and how the pilots fly it.
Context Anchor
Seen in airline and maintenance approval material for extended operations, especially when checking whether a specific aircraft is allowed to fly a particular long route.
Why Pilots Care
Determines whether a twin-engine aircraft is legally and safely allowed to fly routes that would otherwise require an engine-out diversion time greater than 60 or 180 minutes.
Intuition Check
Do not read this as a casual list of setup, upkeep, and technique. In this context, Configuration, Maintenance, And Procedures means an approved set of requirements that the operator must meet.
Example Sentence 1
Noise certification standards account for configuration, maintenance, and procedures, since each contributes to the sound level measured during takeoff and landing.
Example Sentence 2
Any deviation from the approved Configuration, Maintenance, And Procedures must be reported before the next ETOPS segment can be planned.