On September 18, 2012, the FAA issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to require all new helicopter types to comply with Stage 3 noise levels.  Currently, helicopters are certificated as Stage 1 or Stage 2.  Under the rule, helicopters for which a new or supplemental type certificate is sought would be required to meet Stage 3 noise levels.  According to the notice, the FAA is proposing the rule to bring the U.S. in line with international standards and to account for heightened public awareness of helicopter noise.  Comments on the proposed rule must be submitted by November 19, 2012.