Soaring Eagles, Soaring Noise: Residents of Kaohsiung, Taiwan, Concerned Over New Trainer Jet Sounds

The introduction of Taiwan's new "Brave Eagle" trainer jets is met with concerns from residents near the Air Force base over increased noise pollution.

Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense is receiving deliveries of 66 "Brave Eagle" advanced jet trainers manufactured by Aerospace Industrial Development Corporation (AIDC). With half of the aircraft scheduled to be based at the Gangshan Air Force Base in Kaohsiung, concerns have arisen among nearby residents.

Residents have noted that the new trainer jets generate significantly more noise than the older AT-3 training aircraft. The take-off and landing of the "Brave Eagle" create sounds similar to fighter jets, causing increased stress and worry amongst the population. The situation is expected to worsen once all 33 aircraft are stationed at the base.

The Kaohsiung Environmental Protection Bureau indicated that the monitoring of aircraft noise at Gangshan Base is managed by the military and the Bureau has not intervened. The military has committed to outsourcing noise compensation procedures starting next year to expedite the compensation process for affected residents.