Just chatting to an aviation mate of mine the other day and we got onto how loud aircraft can be.
Then conversation naturally went to to discuss the loudest we've either worked on or flown in.
Here's my list in reverse order:
5). C17. More of a "Presence" than loud noise. Not unpleasant though.
4). C130J. Loud, even when the big wiry prop things aren't turning. The Aircon apparently. Unpleasant.
3). VC10. Well, what can I say! VERY LOUD, but quite pleasant.
4). TriStar. Gawd, how loud can an APU be?! Very unpleasant when working around the aircraft. It has also damaged my hearing, even using ear plugs and defenders at the same time. Official.
4). Let410. Nothing comes close to this! The most unpleasant sounding aircraft in the world! Only went to the IOM from Gloucester and back and felt decidedly rough after the event. Nowt to do with the flight, just the A/C! My eight year old Lad was in tears, I had to hold my hands over his ears most of the way there and back. They SHOULD offer you earplugs when bordering. Just as a side note, they did have a big screen tv for inflight entertainment. I was wondering how on earth you could hear a film until they put on Buster Keaton silent movies! Inspired choice!
What's yours?
Rick.