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F-35 Noise Impact Study

Author: Jason Starr, Williston Observer
Date: May 9, 2026

UVM math and statistics professor Richard Single is surveying residents in Williston and other communities near Burlington International Airport to gather population-level data on how F-35 fighter jet noise affects daily life. The survey, which had received about 2,000 responses since mid-April, asks residents how often the noise disrupts activities such as relaxing, communicating, concentrating, working, holding meetings, making phone calls, and enjoying the outdoors. Existing airport noise monitors show F-35 takeoffs regularly exceed 70 decibels and sometimes rise above 100 decibels, levels the FAA recognizes as incompatible with residential areas.

Single said the goal is to quantify the disruption, distraction, and discomfort experienced by surrounding communities and to compare resident-reported impacts with airport noise maps, which are based on flight radar and takeoff modeling rather than actual citizen input. He expects to publish a report later in 2026. He is also planning a related biometric study using wearable technology to measure physiological stress responses during F-35 overflights, though that study was delayed because many Vermont Air National Guard F-35s have been deployed away from Vermont since mid-December.

Main points and details:

  • UVM professor Richard Single is conducting a survey to measure how F-35 noise affects residents near Burlington International Airport.
  • The survey focuses on Williston and other nearby Chittenden County communities.
  • About 2,000 people had responded since the survey went live in mid-April.
  • Residents are asked how often F-35 noise interferes with relaxing, communicating, concentrating, outdoor enjoyment, work, meetings, and phone calls.
  • Noise monitors around the airport show F-35 takeoffs often exceed 70 decibels and sometimes surpass 100 decibels.
  • The FAA recognizes noise above 100 decibels as incompatible with residential areas.
  • Single hopes the survey will show how far from the airport the effects begin to lessen.
  • The survey data may corroborate or challenge airport-published noise maps, which are based on modeling rather than resident reports or direct decibel readings.
  • Single plans to publish a report on the survey results later in 2026.
  • He is also designing a biometric study using wearable technology to measure stress responses during F-35 overflights.
  • That physiological study was delayed because many Vermont Air National Guard F-35s have been deployed away from Vermont since mid-December.
  • A Vermont Air National Guard spokesperson said fewer training flights are occurring in Burlington while most of the fleet is deployed.

➡️ FULL ARTICLE: https://vtdigger.org/2026/05/09/uvm-professor-surveys-residents-on-f-35-noise-exposure/

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