[babyface00]

I own a home near enough to Cleveland Hopkins airport that I can sympathize with the homeowners. I'm enough of a gear head that I can sympathize with the flyers.

Are prop planes loud because of engine noise, or is it the sound of the props themselves? If the former, why aren't the engines muffled like a car?

[CarryaBigStick]

Most of the noise an airplane makes is caused by the prop (if it has one), but the engine does contribute to it some. I've always considered airplane noise to be the definitive sound of freedom - but then I'm biased.