Listen to a helicopter
How loud is a helicopter?
A helicopter is about 100 dB, with a typical range of 90–110 dB. Flying overhead at about 30 m (100 ft).
That is about 16 times as loud to the ear as normal conversation and 1e+04 times the sound energy.
Can it damage your hearing?
Yes, with enough exposure. At 100 dBA, NIOSH recommends a daily limit of 15 minutes; at the top of the range (110 dB) it is 1.5 minutes. Wear earplugs or earmuffs, keep your distance and limit time near the source.
How sound level changes with distance
Decibel figures always depend on distance. For a small source in open air, every doubling of distance lowers the level by about 6 dB; indoors, reflections reduce that drop. Use the sound-vs-distance calculator to estimate the level where you are.
Sounds as loud as a helicopter
Some species exceed 100 dB at 50 cm.100 dBConstruction site
Mixed heavy machinery nearby.100 dBGarbage truck
Compactor running, at curbside.100 dBHeadphones at max volume
CDC: personal listening devices at maximum volume reach 94–110 dB.100 dBNightclub
On the dance floor.100 dBRooster crowing
Over 130 dB has been measured at the rooster's own ear canal.100 dBSnowmobile
Rider's ear at full throttle.100 dBSporting event crowd
Inside a packed stadium or arena.
Safe listening time
| Level | NIOSH recommended limit | OSHA legal limit (US) |
|---|---|---|
| 94 dBA | 1.0 hours | 4.6 hours |
| 97 dBA | 30 minutes | 3.0 hours |
| 100 dBA | 15 minutes | 2.0 hours |
| 103 dBA | 7.5 minutes | 1.3 hours |
| 106 dBA | 3.8 minutes | 52 minutes |
NIOSH: 85 dBA for 8 hours with a 3 dB exchange rate; OSHA: 90 dBA for 8 hours with a 5 dB exchange rate. General information, not medical advice – see a hearing professional about ringing ears, muffled hearing or pain.
More recordings elsewhere
- Helicopter engine by caquet – CC BY 4.0 (freesound)
- Helicopter by alegemaate – CC0 1.0 (freesound)
- Explorer Helicopter. Int Ambience of Cockpit & Radio Chatter Between… by Paul368 – CC BY 4.0 (freesound)
- Helicopter Flyby / Pass by mil0001 – CC0 1.0 (freesound)
- Helicopter Flight recorded from inside.mp3 by Cymeon – CC0 1.0 (freesound)
Frequently asked questions
How many decibels is a helicopter?
About 100 dB, with a typical range of 90–110 dB.
Is a helicopter louder than a jet engine?
No – a jet engine at takeoff is about 140 dB at 30 m, while a helicopter is about 100 dB.
How are these levels measured?
With a sound level meter, usually A-weighted (dBA) to match human hearing. Published figures depend on distance and conditions, so treat them as typical values.
Sources & credits
- Typical values compiled from CDC, NIOSH and ASHA noise charts
- Kobe Bryant helicopter crash ATC audio by FAA – Public domain
- Helicopter flying overhead by Doggo19292 – Attribution
- Rm-sursilv-il helicopter by Speaker: Erwin Ardüser – CC0 1.0