Forum Topic

Change of flightpath to reduce noise over West London

"Heathrow Airport will trial a steeper approach for landing planes in a bid to give west London greater respite from noise pollution.Starting on 14 September 14, the airport will be trying out a slightly steeper approach angle of 3.2 degrees. The international standard approach for most airports in the world is set at three degrees.Airport bosses believe a steeper angle would lead to quieter approaches to the airport and the trial comes after Frankfurt successfully adopted steeper approach angles to reduce the impact of noise on residents.The trial was given the green light by the Civil Aviation Authority and is planned to run until 16 March 2016. While the trial is optional, a large number of airlines that have the necessary standard of navigational equipment for this approach are expected to take part".It will be interesting to see if this makes any real difference to the noise levels over Brentford and Syon.

Matthew Taylor ● 3650d3 Comments

Just moved into the area recently and as my apartment is slightly right of the Flight path and I always have difficulty hearing anything while an aircraft is overhead, I will be very happy if there is a result.

Nada Salisbury ● 3646d

If the aircraft are higher.....doesn't that mean the noise lasts longer?

Jim Lawes ● 3650d

> It will be interesting to see if this makes any real difference to the noise levels over Brentford and Syon.Planes taking part in the trial will be slightly higher than normal by an amount that's dependent on how far they are from the airport.As a rule of thumb, the difference is about 20 feet per mile.  Over Syon, which is 5 miles from the runway, they will be about 100 feet higher than before, roughly 1,600 feet overhead instead of 1,500 feet.

Dave Robertson ● 3650d