(As just posted on ChiswickW4.com)Before 6am there are only supposed to be, on average, 16 flights per night. Most of these are between 4 and 6am - so that is why people are hearing them from 3.45 (due later but running early). Between 6 and 7am (the shoulder period) there is no restriction, and they are often using both runways for landing at Heathrow, so no break for people living under the flightpath dring that hour. Alternation kicks in from 7am. Hounslow Council's policy is; there should be a complete ban on night flights. We now have confirmation that there will be no increase up to 2012, and that the noisy planes currently allowed at night will be banned - so a small victory, which isn't bad bearing in mind the "pro aviation" climate we have all been working in. However, the agreement isn't good enough especially as there is no commercial, or economic, justfication for flights arriving at Heathrow before 6am.Also, planes are noisier in hot weather, it's not just that you;ve got the velux's open. I've been told by a techie that when the air is hot, engines need more thrust.Finally, just a reminder that in the Autumn the Dept for Transport will be consulting on the end of alternation (landing on one runway before 3pm, and swapping runways at 3pm, to give residents a break (and swapping each week). Without RA, we would have MIXED MODE operation; ie continuous overflying into both runways all day - and if you think it's bad in Chiswick, have a thought for people living in Isleworth, Hounslow, Hatton Cross and Cranford. Flights have doubled in about 10 years, and we keep being promised there will be no more flights. Mixed mode will allow for an additional 20% growth in capacity at Heathrow - and could be implemented long before a third runway.Cllr Ruth Cadbury
Ruth Cadbury ● 7259d