[ATC] – Enhanced Engine Sound Effects for Takeoff and Landing

:bullseye: What is your suggestion?
My suggestion is to improve the engine sound effects during takeoff and landing phases.

The goal is to create a richer, more realistic sound that includes prominent low frequencies — a deep, resonant, and slightly vibrating bass characteristic of real jet engines. In reality, this sound is not only heard but also physically felt, especially during high-thrust operations like takeoff and reverse thrust during landing.

:hammer_and_wrench: How would it work in the game?
During the takeoff roll, the low-frequency component of the engine sound would gradually increase, creating the impression of growing power and vibrations.

Upon landing, when reverse thrust is engaged, a pronounced low-frequency, resonant sound with vibration could be added, emphasizing the sudden increase in engine resistance and power in reverse mode.

This effect could be tied not to individual aircraft but to the runway itself. This way, any jet-powered aircraft would automatically produce enhanced low-frequency sounds during takeoff and reverse thrust during landing.

Additionally, the effect could dynamically respond to in-game parameters such as aircraft speed, engine thrust level, and reverse thrust status. The sound would gradually intensify up to liftoff and become prominent during landing, especially when reverse thrust is applied.

If technically feasible, this approach simplifies implementation while providing consistent and realistic audio for all jet aircraft.

:balance_scale: Why is this a good idea?
This would significantly enhance immersion and realism in the game.

Adding low-frequency components would make engine sounds feel more “alive” and powerful, especially during the most visually and audibly dramatic moments — takeoff and landing with reverse thrust.

It would also improve the overall perception of game quality, as sound plays a crucial role in creating atmosphere and enhancing player experience.

:camera_with_flash: Optional: Image or reference
This effect is especially noticeable when using headphones while watching a video, as a phone or built-in speakers cannot always reproduce the full depth and richness of the recorded sound.

Nice suggestion! I actually proposed something similar a while back, and I even sent the developers files (original sound effects for takeoff and landing). At the time, they wanted to check how feasible it was to incorporate them. We’ll see; I’m sure this will be made more realistic in the future.

If I recall those files were not aircraft specific and thus were not a meaningful change

1 Like

One that’d be cool to hear would be a better louder turboprop sound effect.

The sound as it passes is fantastic.

2 Likes

https://youtube.com/shorts/7fvMoxZRWKE?si=4LI5qwCS2WhK_WEp

I likes this sounds really much, and we hope we become in wopa too.

1 Like

The only issue to consider is sound overlap and the Doppler effect. Engines like GE90 should be here at any place during takeoff, and new engines should have a high-frequency part during takeoff.

1 Like

This is the kind of airport sound — a deep, dull low-frequency noise created by the engines and airflow. It’s that background sound that is not just heard, but rather felt as vibration and pressure in the surrounding air.

1 Like

I completely agree with you; that’s exactly the sound we need in WoPa. I’ve been wanting that for a very, very long time. We’ll be eager to see what the developers will make possible or implement.

3 Likes