The noise is considerable, however small pulsejets are still used occasionally on model airplanes. Examples can be found on You tube. I ran mine just this New Years eve. New years and 4th of July are the only times can be done reasonably in the neighborhood. Although one New Year in the 60s, with considerable celebration going on near midnight, my wife came out and said the lady behind us called to ask if we were creating a nuisance. My wife told her "I don't think so. My husband is just running his jet engine." I asked what she said and was told "nothing and after a few seconds, hung up." After all it is only 21 inches long.