Locals warned of Heathrow runway use changes
03.10.11
People living under Heathrow Airport's flight path have received leaflets detailing changes to rules that allow the use of both runways simultaneously. The runways are restricted to take-off or landing and switch each afternoon, except in an emergency, to give residents respite from the noise. As part of a trial starting next month the threshold for triggering the emergency system will be lowered to allow airport operator BAA to minimise disruption.
Under the changes, dual use can be deployed when a plane faces a 10-minute wait to land or take off and if 30% of all flights are delayed by more than 15 minutes. The average time delay for flights at the west London airport is currently 12 minutes. The first trial finishes on February 29, with the second trial running from 1 July 2012 until 30 September - coinciding with the London Olympics.
The trial was recommended by the Department for Transport and will be overseen by the Civil Aviation Authority. BAA believe the changes will allow them to test measures that could reduce the negative impact of disruptions on local residents, passengers and the environment.
A spokesman said: ‘Heathrow operates at near full capacity, meaning that even small disruptions can have a major impact on the flight schedule. [The trial] will not result in any additional flights and could mean less unscheduled night flights, less airborne holding in the stacks and a more predictable and punctual service.’
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