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Specific Area Treatments: Nose Wheel Well
(and Main Landing Gear if Inside Cabin)
Landing gear wells are generally sources of aerodynamic turbulence thus can add a lot of their own noise. Additionally, the nose wheel well often shares space in the engine compartment thus adding a noise path through the firewall. These can be extremely noisy areas and should be aggressively treated.
This is a rough guide of acoustic treatments for the retractable wheel wells of a typical light aircraft. The actual results may differ from aircraft to aircraft since this by necessity must be a generalization of typical noise path and vibration common to most light aircraft. Some aircraft may be limited by space, clearances, internal volume, and contact with the pilot and passengers that therefore must be taken into account
Level 3 provides basic coverage and Level 1 offers the most insulation.
Acoustic Level 1 Treatment:
- 1. Dampers on entire nose wheel well and main gear covers, (can go on wheel side if adequate clearance allows).
- 2. Gasket doors and adjust to close tightly to reduce air gaps and noise.
- 3. 1/4" (or 1/8") felt with barrier over wells.
- 4. Carpet over for cosmetics and acoustics.
Acoustic Level 2 Treatment:
- 1. Dampers on entire nose wheel well and main gear covers, (can go on wheel side if adequate clearance allows).
- 2. Gasket doors and adjust to close tightly to reduce air gaps and noise.
- 3. 1/8" felt with barrier over dampers.
Acoustic Level 3 Treatment:
- 1. Dampers on entire nose wheel well and main gear covers, (can go on wheel side if adequate clearance allows).
- 2. Gasket doors and adjust to close tightly to reduce air gaps and noise.
