Heathrow: no runway alternation for up to 10 weeks
Although it was front-page news in the BCIT on Friday, I haven't seen anything on this site about the work that BAA are starting next weekend that will produce more aircraft noise over parts of Brentford and Isleworth for up to 10 weeks (though areas such as Mogden will get less noise).Starting on 11 September, BAA will be redeveloping the taxiways that departing planes use to reach the start of the northern runway. This means that the runway will be available only for landings until the work is complete, a period of up to 10 weeks. Consequently, runway alternation will be suspended.What this means is that from 11 September to (worst case) 13 November, whenever the airport is on westerly operations (which depends on the wind but on average is about 70% of the time), the northern runway (27R) will be used all day and every day for landings, and the southern runway for take-offs. However, the existing alternation pattern for night flights is not affected.Thus, during westerly operations, residents under the northern runway approach will have planes passing overhead all day, whereas those under the southern runway approach will have a quieter time. (There's a map of the two runway approaches at http://rj2.fotopic.net/p26769965.html )While I can understand that BAA may not have much option in this particular case, I think that those inconvenienced should make clear to BAA, and perhaps also their MP, that the lack of runway alternation would not be acceptable on a permanent basis, which still appears to be the government's intention.More details and contacts:Letter from BAA, which I guess went only to residents who live close to the airport (PDF file):http://www.heathrowairport.com/assets/B2CPortal/Static%20Files/Eastern_Apron_DocSep06.pdfNormal runway alternation pattern (not edited to reflect the above temporary changes) (PDF file):http://www.heathrowairport.com/assets/B2CPortal/Static%20Files/alternation_2006.pdfContact points for complaints etc. noise_complaints@baa.comor Freephone 0800 344 844 (08:30-16:30 Mon-Fri)or by post to: Operations Communications Team First Floor Heathrow Point West 234 Bath Road BAA Heathrow Airport Middlesex UB3 5AP
Richard Jennings ● 7370d5 Comments ● 7353d