ON THIS PAGE you can find an at-a-glance summary of all our articles, blog posts and news to do with Flight Paths.
Flight Paths
CHECK OUT THE FLIGHT PATHS
You can now watch and track the London City aircraft as they arrive and depart. You can see the flight paths they use and, by inserting your postcode, You can see what happens over your home: https://www.londoncityairport.com/corporate/environment/noise-management-and-monitoring/flight-track-and-monitoring-system
For a wider picture of the flight paths, check out https://webtrak.emsbk.com/lcy
London City does not publish maps of its flight paths but HACAN East has put together these maps which show the flight paths and the streets most affected:
https://documentcloud.adobe.com/link/track?uri=urn%3Aaaid%3Ascds%3AUS%3A445f712d-9b70-4d5d-a401-6835e57a8af0 showing arrivals over south and east London (which happens when an east wind blows)
https://documentcloud.adobe.com/link/track?uri=urn%3Aaaid%3Ascds%3AUS%3Ac84d31ae-d0ea-4610-aa89-a9acfafe173d showing departures over east and north east London
Want to know how impacted a property is by planes?
People often contact us asking how badly affected an area is by aircraft noise. We can recommend that you contact richard.herson@aircrafttrafficsurvey.com an independent data expert who is able for £10 to check out a location, number of planes that fly over it, their height etc. His results are accurate. His website is www.aircrafttrafficsurvey.com
UPDATE on the concentrated flight paths
The Public Consultation is now not expected until late 2025/early 2026. All airports in the UK are required to change their flight paths as aiR traffic control moves from a ground-based system to a satellite system. The change needs to take place in a co-ordinated way. London City concentrated its flight paths in 2016. The airport sees the coming consultation as a chance to alternate its flight paths so as to give people a break from the noise.
Read people's stories about life under the concentrated flight paths: http://hacan.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/HACAN-East-booklet.pdf
What is meant by a concentrated flight path?
It is like a motorway in the sky. All the planes go along exactly the same route, one behind the other. It means people living under the flight path get all the planes. Aircraft obviously need to be concentrated during the last stages of their descent as they need to line up with the runway. But, further away from the airport, planes could use different flight paths, thereby speading the noise around more equitably.
A bit of background
London City, along with all UK airports, will be changing its flight paths. This is happening because air traffic controllers are moving from using a ground-based system to a satellite system to guide aircraft. It will mean narrow, concentrated flight paths known as Performance-Based Navigation (PBN).
London City had already introduced PBN routes in February 2016 when it concentrated all its flight paths, leading to a 5-fold increase in complaints. It is required now to look again at these routes in order to co-ordinate its flight paths with those of other airports in London and the SE, and particularly with Heathrow and Biggin Hill.
Earlier this year London City consulted key stakeholder groups on some creative concepts to replace the currently unpopular routes. These included the provision of respite so that most communities could get a break from the noise.
Feedback
An outline of stakeholder’s views was given to the Consultative Committee.
Stakeholders favoured:
The sharing of routes to provide respite
Planes to be kept higher for longer
A reduction in fuel and climate emissions
A separation of routes so that, wherever possible, the same area was not overflown by planes from different airports
Collaboration with other airports.
THE FLIGHT PATHS EXPLAINED
Unfortunately, London City doesn’t publish a map of its flight paths. The closest we can get of where the flights go are in its Annual Performance Report (pages 35-43): https://downloads.ctfassets.net/ggj4kbqgcch2/6FXCV3ePJe8QAk8Mcerk53/93d488dbf8a493d01c1206ee26b76eed/LCY_Annual_Performance_Report_2018_Annexes_Final_v2.pdf
Planes land and take-off into the wind. So the flight paths vary according to wind direction. In a typical year in London, a west wind blowS 70% of the time.
In broad terms, London City flights look like this:
When the west wind is blowing:
Planes land over Thamesmead and take off over Bow, Leyton, Leytonstone, Wanstead, Barkingside and Collier Row. A minority of these turn north at Wanstead and fly over South Woodford.
When the east wind is blowing:
Planes land over SE London - Sidcup, Mottingham, Catford, Dulwich, Herne Hill, Brixton, Stockwell, Vauxhall/Oval before crossing the river to come in over Tower Hamlets and take off over Barking Reach, Dagenham and the southern part of Havering.
In 2016, London City concentrated all its flight paths over these areas. Some aircraft are still a little off-track so other places can get some planes but the majority go over these areas.
London City has been asked to look again at its flight paths as it needs to link in with the flight paths changes that will take place at all airports in London and the SE by about 2025. These flight path changes are enabled by new technology as air traffic controllers move from a ground-based navigation system to a satellite one. All the new flight paths will be narrow and precise. HACAN East is arguing that a number of them should be created so that they can be rotated to allow each community a break from the noise. London City is expected to consult on options for new flight paths in 2021.
Many people in East, NE and SE London are also impacted by Heathrow flight paths. For an explanation of the Heathrow flight paths, see the website of our sister organisation: www.hacan.org.uk
The key reason why London City planes are so low is that they must fly beneath the Heathrow airspace. So, for example, planes landing over SE London must not be higher than 2,000ft
iMPORTANT NEW REPORT ON THE BEST WAY TO REDESIGN FLIGHT PATHS
5/5/22
London City is redesigning its flight paths (see story below). A report Heathrow commissioned jointly with its Community Noise Forum about best practice in introducing the new type of flight path called Performance Based Navigaion (PBN) routes. It is by consultants Taylor Airey who have done a very good job. They interviewed residents and community groups and have come up with a range of suggestions on community engagement, respite and much more. They also draw on examples (good and bad) from airports in Europe, America and Australia. And they include case studies including on page 47 a critical section on how London City introduced its controversial concentrated routes in 2016. There are signs that London Caity has learnt lessons from that debacle.
The report is in the form of slides and is quite easy to read.
https://www.uecna.eu/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/D-020-016-015_PBN-benchmarking_Final-Report-v4.pdf
LONDON CITY TO RESUME WORK on FLIGHT PATHS
19/03/21
The Government has just allocated £5.5m to help airports design their new PBN flights paths. It will enable London City to resume work on reassessing its controversial 2016 concentrated flight paths. We understand that London City will start drawing up options which, in due course, will be put out to public consultation: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/55-million-to-drive-improvements-to-uks-motorways-in-the-sky
TIMETABLE FOR REVIEWING FLIGHT PATHS UNCERTAIN
14/08/20
It is unclear how the pause in the expansion work at London City (see news section for details) will impact the work it has been doing in reassessing the controversial flight paths it introduced in February 2016. Or how Heathrow’s work on new flight paths will be affected by the dramatic drop in passenger numbers. The work on flight paths at both airports has been paused since March. It is likely to resume next month but there may not be the urgency there was previously. London City had been due to have a public consultation on its flight paths in February next year. That is likely to be put back. We should know more later this year.
LONDON CITY MASTER PLAN AND ITS FLIGHT REVIEW PUT ON HOLD
19/06/20
London City Airport Consultative Committee took place yesterday.
We heard the latest news about developments.
The review of the controversial concentrated flight paths has been paused. The Civil Aviation Authority is expected to say when the review will resume. You'll recall that the airport was reviewing its flight paths. A public consultation had been planned for early 2021. That will now be put back. All airports in London and the SE have been reviewing their flight paths. The work is being coordinated by air traffic control under guidance from the Civil Aviation Authority. It will be a major priority of both HACAN East and our sister organisation HACAN to put pressure on the relevant authorities to get this back on track. Without change to the concentrated flight paths, people are left without hope.
The airport's Master Plan has been put on hold. You'll recall that just before lockdown London City announced that it would drop the proposals that were in its draft Master Plan to end the 24 hour weekend break (no planes between 12.30pm Saturday - 12.30pm Sunday) and those to bring in more early morning and late evening flights. What remained was the proposal to lift the annual cap from 111,000 to 151,000. London City CEO Robert Sinclair told the consultative committee that the proposal will be considered in due course when it is clearer how demand is picking up.
London City is starting flights this Sunday with a flight to the Isle of Man. Robert Sinclair said that flight numbers could be back up to 50% of normal by the end of September but made clear there was still a lot of uncertainty about this.
LONDON CITY PUBLISHES RESULTS OF THE FIRST ROUND OF CONSULTATION INTO NEW FLIGHT PATHS
7/11/19
CAA has approved stage1 of the redesign of London City's flightpaths. City will now draw up long-list of options for spring 2020; then a short-list for public consultation in 2021. Likely to include a respite option. Changes will happen with or without expansion https://airspacechange.caa.co.uk/PublicProposalArea?pID=131
The flight paths consultations are separate to the consultation on expansion. The airport had focused this first, non-statutory consultation on organisations (including HACAN East) although individuals were free to respond. It was about the design principles which should be used to draw up the new flight paths. London City has been asked to do this as part of the significant flight path changes that will take place at all airports in London and the SE over the coming years. It is a chance for London City to ditch its unpopular concentrated flight paths it introduced in 2016. All respondents agreed safety must always be the top consideration but after that came noise. Although there were a range of opinions most people wanted to see the new flight paths designed in such a way that planes would be higher, that respite would be provided and that communities shouldn’t be overflown by multiple routes (including those from other airports). London City will now work up more detailed proposals which will go out to full public consultation in 2021.
LONDON CITY LAUNCHES PART ONE OF ITS NEW FLIGHT PATHS CONSULTATION
June 2019
London City has also start to consult on its flight paths consultation. You’ll recall that it has been asked again to look at its concentrated flight paths so that its flight paths tie in with the flight paths that are being changed at all airports in London and the South East. The main public consultation will not be until 2021 when we will be asked for our opinions flight path options. The current consultation, which closes on 25th August, is asking for views on how the flight paths should be designed – for example, should providing respite be the priority or is more important to keep the flight paths concentrated to overfly the smallest number of people. This part of the consultation is aimed at organizations, although individuals are free to respond. For more details:
Read HACAN East response: https://documentcloud.adobe.com/link/track?uri=urn%3Aaaid%3Ascds%3AUS%3A9a8a8534-7762-4415-adbf-31aac78c91a2
TOP NEWS: LONDON CITY TO LOOK AGAIN AT ITS CONCENTRATED FLIGHT PATHS
7th March 2019
London City Airport is to look again at its controversial concentrated flight paths. It told its Consultative Committee yesterday (7/3/19) that it will consult on new proposals later this year. This will be a wide-ranging consultation conducted under the new rules laid down by the Civil Aviation Authority.
The airport will need to consult people on how they want the flight paths designed - for example, do they want pure concentration as now or do they want multiple flight paths which can be rotated in order to give communities a break from the noise.
When London City concentrated its flight paths in 2016, the airport saw a fourfold increase in complaints. While some people did not get planes anymore, the communities over which they were concentrated felt the pain.
LONDON ASSEMBLY REPORT CALLS FOR END TO LONDON’S CITY CONCENTRATED FLIGHT PATHS
A clear call from the London Assembly in its report on London's airports, out yesterday, for City to get rid of its concentrated flight paths and to work with Heathrow to tackle the problem of areas being overflown by flights from both airports resulting in at times 50 planes an hour https://www.london.gov.uk/sites/default/files/aircraft_noise_final.pdf
UNLIKE DIAMONDS, FLIGHT PATHS ARE NOT FOREVER
There is no doubt that the Civil Aviation Authority’s backing last month of London City’s concentrated flight paths was a huge blow to very many people.
But I suspect that is not the end of the matter. There may be renewed pressure on London City to offer some respite.
The pressure could come from three directions:
Local discontent will not go away. And may intensify as thousands more homes are built under or close to the flight path in East London over the next few years. These homes may be well-insulated and many of the newcomers will have some awareness that they will get aircraft noise. However, it is expected that, London City could come to impact at least 74,000 people which would mean it would overfly more people in the UK than any airport except Heathrow and Manchester and almost twice as many as Brussels or Schiphol. Will they all really keep quiet if they get no predicable break from the noise?
Flight paths at airports across London and the South East will be altered. Before Christmas NATS, the air traffic controllers, will publish a major report looking at how the flight paths changes at the different airports can mesh together. It is probable that NATS will not expect to see changes to London City’s flight paths but the wider changes will be so fundamental that nothing is guaranteed.
Heathrow is committed to introducing respite. Heathrow’s new flight paths are not expected to come in before 2025 (when a third runway would open if it is given final permission) but Heathrow flight paths which were rotated to give people respite would highlight just what a poor deal people were getting from London City.
OVER 900,000 UNDER CONCENTRATED FLIGHTS
The CAA report, released on 23rd October, which backed London City’s decision to concentrated its flights paths (see post below for details) also revealed the number of people who live under the concentrated flight paths.
Number of people overflown by arrivals:
Under 4,000ft 331,000
4,000 – 7,000ft 72,000
Total under 7,000ft 403,000
Number of people overflown by departures:
Under 4,000ft 416,300
4,000-7,000ft 115,100
Total under 7,000ft 531,400
There is a smaller number impacted by both arrivals and departures but the CAA has not done that calculation.
The overall numbers overflown before the flight paths were concentrated were of course much higher as planes were more dispersed but each area had fewer flights than people under the concentrated flights are now experiencing. If complaint numbers are anything to go by, there was much less annoyance.
LONG-AWAITED CAA REPORT BACKS CONCENTRATED FLIGHT PATHS
23rd October 2018
The long-awaited CAA report assessing London City Airport’s concentrated flight paths was released this afternoon (23rd October). It has backed the concentrated flight paths. Below is the press release HACAN East has issued. It includes a link to the report.
PRESS RELEASE
23/10/18 for immediate use
ANGER AND DESPAIR IN LOCAL COMMUNITIES AS CAA BACKS LONDON CITY FLIGHT PATH CHANGES
Local residents reacted with fury to the report (1) published today by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) which backed the controversial changes London City Airport made to its flight paths two years ago. In 2016 the airport narrowed all its flights paths. It resulted in a fourfold increase in complaints as people under these new concentrated flight paths experienced many more planes than before.
Today’s report from the CAA assesses the changes that were made. It has recommended that the concentrated flight paths remain in place.
The report did ask London City to look into why the fuel and CO2 savings from the new flight paths were less than predicted. It asked the airport to explain why the aircraft were flying slightly off the predicted routes. But the CAA felt the variations were negligible as far as noise was concerned and backed the new concentrated routes.
John Stewart, chair of HACAN East, the campaign body which gives a voice to residents experiencing the noise, said, “There is anger and despair that the CAA has backed the concentrated flight paths. Many people hoped that today’s report would end two years of misery and they would be able to get their lives back. This decision is a cruel blow for them.”
Stewart added, “This will not be the end of the matter. We had support from a wide range of politicians in calling for an end to concentration. These included the Mayor of London, leading members of the Greater London Authority and lots of local councillors. We will be liaising with them about next steps.”
The flight paths were concentrated in 2016 after minimal consultation. Subsequently the CAA introduced more rigorous consultation procedures but they came in too late for the London City changes.
Over the next few years flight paths will be altered at most of the UK’s airports. The changes are driven by new technology. Ground-based technology is being replaced by satellite systems to guide aircraft as they land and depart. It means that planes can be steered along more precise flight paths, saving fuel, cutting climate emissions and reducing delays at airports.
This results in more concentrated flight paths but it also allows the airport more scope to create a number of concentrated flight paths which could be rotated to give residents some respite from the noise. This is what residents have been calling for.
ENDS
Notes for editors:
(1). CAA report: http://publicapps.caa.co.uk/docs/33/CAP1692C_ModuleC_FinalV3(P_LINKS).pdf
For further information:
John Stewart on 0207 737 6641 or 07957385650
BLOG: THE HUMAN COST OF LONDON CITY’S CONCENTRATED FLIGHT PATHS
by John Stewart, 26/10/18
Let me first acknowledge that not all the 900,000 or so people overflown by planes to and from London City at heights of less than 7,000ft are driven mad by them. But, for those people who are affected, this week’s report from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) backing London City’s decision to concentrate its flight paths in 2016 was a sickening blow.
I can hear the sorrow and despair in their voices when they ring me up. Before 2016 more people were overflown by City Airport planes but the concentration brought all the aircraft over selected communities. Complaints to the airport shot up fourfold within a year.
Those distressed by the constant overflying – and distressed is not too strong a word – had put their hope in the CAA’s review of the concentrated flight paths. They accepted that they should have a share of the planes but were calling for further flight paths to be created so they could get a break from the noise. Their hopes were cruelly dashed this week. It is probably too early to say whether all hope has been extinguished by certainly the mood is one of deep sadness.
Most people had lived in their homes before the flight paths were concentrated in 2016. Some people had been there long before the airport opened in the late 1980s. And many feel doubly cheated. Back in 2009 London City first changed its flight paths to allow the larger planes coming into service to use a wider arc when departing. There had been a consultation but residents weren’t aware of it. Then in 2016 these new flight paths more or less became the concentrated flight paths.
In some ways the City Airport residents have been desperately unlucky. The 2016 flight path changes followed a consultation that was totally inadequate but which followed the correct CAA procedures. Partly as a result of the City Airport experience, the CAA has radically altered the procedures to allow for more community consultation and for real options to be presented to residents.
But rather than hide behind their good fortune in getting away with a shabby plan, City Airport should embrace at least the spirit of the new guidelines and come up with a package of measures to ease the burden on the many residents who have lost out from their decision to concentrate their flight paths. Over the next few months we will be proposing practical actions London City can take.
CHECK OUT THE VIDEO
HACAN East HAS released this very human video where local people are giving a heartfelt message to the airport: https://youtu.be/6dMy7cGUVo4
South East London – No Respite from aircraft noise
Our sister organisation HACAN today (13/8/18) published an important report by Forest Hill resident Tim Walker outlining what happens when London City and Heathrow airports combine to create community noise hotspots in south east London
Using London SE23 as an example, the paper aims to make clear to policymakers, campaigners and the two airports what the problems for communities are with the introduction of concentrated flight paths (City Airport) and separate development of the two London airport flight paths.
Noise from arriving London City Airport aircraft combined with departing and arriving Heathrow aircraft blights thousands of south east London homes, with no respite.
City Airport’s low altitude air superhighways, beginning in Feb 2016, have resulted in a perfect storm of aircraft noise for many SE London residents.
Respite means scheduled relief from aircraft noise for a period of time. There are community noise hotspots in SE London that receive no respite from 6.30am to 10pm nearly every day of the year.
Read the full report: http://hacan.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/No-aircraft-noise-respite-for-London-SE23-August-2018.pdf
CAA CONCENTRATED FLIGHT PATHS REPORT EXPECTED SOON
HACAN East has learnt that the much-delayed report by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) into London City's concentrated flight paths is now expected within weeks. London City controversially concentrated its flight paths in February 2016. The CAA is required to assess its first year of operation. Its report was initially due out last year. The airport received a record number of complaints following the introduction of the concentrated flight paths. There has been pressure from communities, local authorities, politicians (including the Mayor of London) for them to be changed.
READ OUR LATEST NEWSLETTER
http://hacan.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/HACAN-East-newsletter-June-2018.pdf
HEATHROW AIRSPACE CONSULTATION
Read the official response from HACAN East to the Heathrow Airspace Consultation : http://hacan.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/HACAN-East-response-to-Heathrows-Airspace-Consultation.pdf
CROSS-PARTY SUPPORT TO END CONCENTRATED FLIGHT PATHS AT CITY AIRPORT
At last night’s People’s Question Time (where the London Mayor and London Assembly members answer questions from the public) in Dagenham on 2nd November there was cross-party support from London Assembly members to end the concentrated flight paths London City Airport introduced last year. Caroline Russell, who speaks for the Greens on transport at the London Assembly, joined Conservative Keith Prince, the chair of the assembly’s transport committee, the deputy chair Liberal Democrat Caroline Russell and Labour’s Len Duvall in opposition to the flight paths. The local MP Jon Cruddas also backed the call for them to go.
Since London City concentrated its flight paths in early 2016 complaints to the airport have increased fourfold. The Civil Aviation Authority is currently studying a report produced by the airport into the first year’s operation of the flight paths and is expected to make recommendations by the end of the year.
John Stewart, chair of HACAN East, which campaigns against the concentrated flight paths, said, “The message from the politicians was clear. These flight paths must go. They must be replaced by a system where the noise is shared around more fairly.”
550% increase in complaints to City Airport following introduction of concentrated flight paths
Complaints to London City Airport have gone up by 550% since the introduction of the new concentrated flight paths. The figures were revealed in the airport’s 2016 Annual Performance Report, published yesterday (1). Last year there were nearly 400 complaints, up from 95 in 2015. In its report, London City admits the increase is down to the concentrated flight paths which were introduced in February 2016: “The spike in complaints, particularly from areas outside Newham, can likely be attributed to the implementation of Phase 1a of the London Airspace Management Plan (LAMP) which occurred at London City Airport from 4 February 2016.” LAMP was the plan which concentrated the flight paths.
John Stewart, chair of HACAN East which gives a voice to residents under the flight paths, said “This dramatic jump in complaints comes as no surprise to us. It reflects what we have been hearing. It is essential that the airport reconsiders its decision to concentrate all its flight paths”.
The release of the complaint figures comes just a week after the London Mayor Sadiq Khan called for an end to the concentrated flight paths. In an answer to a question from Green London Assembly member Caroline Russell, he said, “It is clear that the concentrated flight paths introduced by London City Airport are not working. We will continue to raise the issue with London City Airport. We also continue to make the case to the CAA that there must be a fairer distribution of flight paths that will address the severe noise impacts.
At present the Civil Aviation Authority is assessing a report from London City into the operation of the concentrated flight paths. It is expected to make its recommendations in the next month or two.
(1). Link to the report: https://www.londoncityairport.com/content/pdf/LCY%20Annual%20Performance%20Report%202016%20AW.pdf
London Mayor backs campaigners' call end to concentrated flight paths
London Mayor Sadiq Khan has backed campaigners' calls for London City to end its concentrated flight paths. Below is the Mayor's written answer to a question put to him by Green Assembly member Caroline Russell
London City Airport - noise complaints
Question No: 2017/2794
Caroline Russell
According to London City Airport's statistics, presented to its Consultative Committee, since City Airport introduced concentrated flight paths, noise complaints from residents have increased four-fold in 2016, compared with the previous year. Will you press London City Airport to review their concentrated flight paths and clarify the steps they are taking to guarantee communities a break from aviation noise?
Written response from the Mayor
It is clear that the concentrated flight paths introduced by London City Airport are not working. Valerie Shawcross, my Deputy Mayor for Transport, met with London City Airport to raise these concerns with the Airport directly and press them on steps they can take. As part of the statutory airspace process, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) is scheduled to undertake a review of the changes this year. We will continue to raise the issue with London City Airport. We also continue to make the case to the CAA that there must be a fairer distribution of flightpaths that will address the severe noise impacts.
Campaigners present 'flight path' cake to caa
On Friday 28th July HACAN East campaigners handed a 'flight path' cake to Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to remind them of their opposition to City Airport's concentrated flight paths (at a time CAA looking at City Airport's report into the first year of operation of the flight paths). The CAA is expected to make recommendations in September regarding the flight paths. The CAA very much entered into the spirit of this fun event, but with a serious purpose.
WHEN A NEW FLIGHT PATH COMES YOUR WAY, UNEXPECTEDLY…..
This is taken from a paper produced by Gatwick Area Conservation Group, which represents residents impacted by Gatwick Airport, but people around most airports will share the emotions it describes when a new flight path unexpectedly comes their way......
Stage 1. Astonishment.
‘What are all these planes suddenly flying over our house? We’ve never had it like this before. OK yes, the occasional one once or twice an hour but these are absolutely nose-to-tail! Why haven’t we been told? Is it just a trial or is it going to be permanent?’
Stage 2. Anxiety.
‘I’m not sure we can live with this. We can’t go out-of-doors, can’t open the windows, we feel trapped in a hermetically sealed prison. Perhaps we should sell our house, move to somewhere quiet? But that means our children having to go to a new school and us leaving all our friends behind. And anyway this new flight path has knocked thousands of pounds off the value of our house, so we would have to make do with somewhere smaller.6 Trapped, with no escape! It’s all getting on my nerves. No wonder it causes heart attacks and strokes.’
Stage 3. Anger
‘Why weren’t we told? Meeting in the town hall – never heard about it. Parish Council objected – of course no one takes any notice of them. All this misery just for more and more cheap holidays, stag and hen nights. And I hear that airlines don’t pay any fuel tax or any VAT. Why should those bastards get all the benefit and we don’t get a penny in compensation for having our lives ruined?’
Stage 4. Determination
‘We hear there’s a local protest group started, and hundreds have already joined. So will we. We’ve got to fight this injustice. Worth subscribing generously if only we could get this flight path moved.’
Stage 5. Action
Protest group employs noise experts. Considers judicial review but usually finds it too costly. And each protest group encourages its members to write to the airport, or to NATS, or to the CAA, or to the DfT, or to local MPs, or to all of them. Thousands of emails are written, many addressed to the chief executives. Judicial review is sometimes successful.
Stage 6. Fury
The CAA confirms the route. The thousands of emails are ignored. Experts are over-ruled. Hard luck! No compensation. Distrust of the system….. in a recent case 17,000 objections were consigned to the waste bin because most of them came from outside the 57 leq contour, a ridiculous excuse when the Government is proposing to reduce the standard metric to 51 leq…
Stage 7. Despair
Gloom and resignation but with an enduring hate and distrust of the airport and all the bodies that are supposed to regulate the environmental impact of aviation.
NB: There is still hope for residents impacted by London City! The airport has not ruled out looking again at its concentrated flight paths later this year.
The full Gatwick paper can be found here: http://www.gacc.org.uk/resources/GACC%20Airspace%20Design%20response%20.pdf
HACAN EAST GIVES BROAD WELCOME TO AIRSPACE CONSULTATION
AIRSPACE POLICY CONSULTATION
On February 2nd the Department for Transport (DfT) launched its Airspace Consultation. It is a national consultation. The closing date for responses is 25th May.
On the same day the DfT launched its consultation on a 3rd runway at Heathrow. For more details of that consultation visit the website of HACAN, our sister organisation: www.hacan.org.uk
HACAN East broadly welcomes the Airspace Policy Consultation. Below we summarise the key points.
You can find the consultation at:
https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/589099/uk-airspace-policy-consultation-executive-summary.pdf (summary). Responses to be emailed to airspace.policy@dft.gsi.gov.uk
Remember, in order to respond, you don’t need to be an expert. Just say what you think and explain how aircraft noise affects you. But also feel free to use the points below.
Key points
The concentration of London City Airport’s flight paths in February 2016 caused a lot of grief across many communities. The introduction of concentrated flight paths at Gatwick also resulted in a huge number of complaints. The reaction of residents at London City and Gatwick to their concentrated flight paths was one of the things that persuaded the Department of Transport to produce this Airspace Policy Consultation. And it contains much that residents under London City flight paths will welcome.
It is proposing much more public engagement before new flight paths are introduced or changes are made to existing flight paths. This is to be welcomed.
It says that multiple routes are an option to avoid concentration over particular communities. This is welcomeIt argues that noise should be the key issue when flying planes below 4,000 ft and only one of the factors between 4,000 and 7,000 ft. That would be a continuation of the current situation. On the basis of where complaints come to us, HACAN East argues that noise should be the main consideration up until at least 6,000ft.
It proposes an Independent Noise Authority, ICCAN. It proposes a fully independent body; advisory rather than regulatory. Funding would come from Government to pay for a Board and a Secretariat. It would be housed within the CAA but independent of it. Local communities generally welcome the setting up of an Independent Noise Authority but will want guarantees that it will be truly independent and will have teeth.
It is proposing new metrics to replace the 57 decibel contour as ‘the onset of community annoyance’. This 57 decibel contour has been much criticized as not reflecting reality. For example, places like Leyton and Leytonstone are outside the 57 contour yet ircraft noise is clearly a problem. The DfT proposes replacing it with a 54 decibel contour and even, on occasion, with a 51 decibel contour. These are overdue changes which will reflect more accurately the areas where noise is a problem.
SURVEY CONFIRMS WALTHAM FOREST THE THIRD MOST OVERFLOWN BOROUGH IN LONDON
Research carried out by the campaign group HACAN has confirmed that Waltham Forest is the third most overflown borough in London (1). Although Hounslow and Richmond occupy first and second place, the survey revealed that only three of the top 12 most overflown boroughs are in West London.
HACAN calculated the combined impact of Heathrow and London City aircraft on each borough. It didn’t factor in the heights of the planes; only the number flying over each borough. It follows up a similar study carried out in 2009. It also put Hounslow, Richmond and Waltham Forest in the top three positions.
HACAN chair John Stewart said, “Our survey once again shows that aircraft noise is not just confined to West London. It has become a London-wide problem. Somewhere like Waltham Forest is bombarded by planes from both Heathrow and London City airports.”
HACAN found that the most significant change from the 2009 survey was the reduction in the number of flights over some of the inner London boroughs such as Camden and Islington. This was matched by an increase in flights over the South East London boroughs of Lewisham, Southwark and Lambeth. It put it down to the introduction of concentrated London City flight paths over these boroughs plus the fact that aircraft coming into land at Heathrow appear to be crossing the Thames further east than was previously the case.
The study comes out at the start of an important year for aviation. In a few weeks the Government is expected to release its consultation document on a Heathrow third runway as well as a consultation on future airspace strategy.
http://hacan.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/Most-overflown-boroughs-in-London-2016.pdf
south london flight paths meeting
HACAN East held a Public Meeting in Catford on 7th December about the impact of London City Airport’s concentrated flight paths. The impact on South London has been considerable, affecting communities in Eltham, Lee, Catford, Dulwich, Brixton, Stockwell and Vauxhall. Before the decision to concentrate the flight paths planes from City Airport were dispersed across a wide swathe of South London and resulted in few complaints from the area. Amongst the speakers were Len Duvall, the London Assembly member for Greenwich and Lewisham, and the local MP Heidi Alexander.
Leytonstone residents engraged about concentrated flight paths
By Laura O’Callaghan Waltham Forest Guardian, 5/10/16
People living under a flight path of London City Airport say they are “enraged” that they were not consulted about the increase in air traffic. The airport were given the paths in February meaning more planes will fly in a narrower space, which people say is impacting their sleep and quality of life. Michael Plant, who lives in Leytonstone, said the problem has got so bad that he is sleep deprived and almost crashed his car one day. The 45-year-old said: “It is just a complete nightmare. I might as well be sitting in the middle of a runway. “For eight months I was having between three and five hours sleep a night and I started to get migraines. “I ended up nearly crashing the car on the way to Sussex one day and I had to turn around and go back home. “Sometimes I hear the planes as early as 4.30am and they come every 50 seconds and I have to go out of the house just to keep myself sane.” Mother-of-two Saci Lloyd, who lives in Leytonstone, said she is angry that the airport didn’t consult residents and she feels there is no need for all the flights. The author said: “I feel enraged that they can do this without a public consultation. “It makes me feel powerless and like I am not being listened to, “Many of the planes are not full and they are carrying businessmen to Amsterdam and Geneva who could make a call instead. “Even when it’s hot I have to close the windows because of the noise and my son gets woken up early in the morning.” Steve Cushion, of Fladgate Road, Leytonstone, has lived in the area for 35 years. The 66-year-old said: “I think it is disgusting and I see no reason for building an airport in central London just so a few business men can save half an hour to get in and out. “I would like it to close but I realise it is really unlikely. “I want a reduction of their flights so I can sit outside in my garden because now it is not pleasant hearing planes all the time.” Chair of Forest Residents’ Association, Vaseem Gill - www.vaseemgill.com , who has lived in Leytonstone for 30 years, said: “When my family sits out in our garden and a plane passes we cannot hear ourselves talk. “Also, when we go for a nice leisurely walk in the forest nearby it is annoying because there are planes constantly overhead.” A spokesman for London City Airport said: “From February this year, the airport was required to replicate its existing flight paths to enable a new form of aircraft navigation, as part of a wider programme to modernise airspace over south east England. “In practice, this means aircraft fly the same routes as previously, but more accurately. “A new system for arrivals was also introduced, positioning aircraft over the Thames Estuary to reduce time flying over residential areas.
CONCENTRATED FLIGHT PATHS BRING A FLOOD OF COMPLAINTS
PRESS RELEASE
29/8/16 for immediate use
Concentrated flight paths bring a flood of complains
London City Airport’s decision to concentrate all its flights paths earlier this year has resulted in a flood of complaints. HACAN East, which gives a voice to residents under the flight paths, today launched a short report outlining some of the complaints they received in just one month - read report: HACAN East booklet
John Stewart, chair of the campaign group, said, “We have received dozens of complaints over the last month. The hot weather has made people particularly aware of the planes. The concentrated flight paths have brought complaints from many areas for the first time. The complaints have come from vast swathes of east and south east London.”
One person in south London said, “We have gone from having little or no flights to one every 3 minutes. Some of us have spent a lifetime trying to get on the housing ladder only for this to happen.”
Another wrote: “I moved to Dagenham from Kingsland Road in Hackney in 2014 because my family & I wanted more peace and quiet; now it's noisier than living on Kingsland Road in Hackney; we are heart-broken.”
Stewart said that HACAN East has met with the airport who said they ‘have not closed their mind’ to looking again at the concentrated flight paths but will not do so until next year after the Government has issued its forthcoming consultation on national airspace policy.
ENDS
CONCENTRATED FLIGHT PATHS LATEST
Over the summer months we have had a steam of emails and phone calls from people disturbed by the new flight paths. They have come from huge swathes of east and south London.
This is a short update on the situation.
We have had meetings with both the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and the airport in the light of the fact that the airport is required to review the concentrated flight paths. It seems clear from the meetings that the CAA does not consider it to be within its remit to initiate change but it will assess any changes the airport process. The airport told us that by February 2017 they need to produce a report for the CAA on whether the flight paths have achieved their purpose in operational terms. The CAA will comment on that report by May 2017.
But, more encouragingly, the airport did tell us it ‘has not closed its mind’ to some form of respite. They may look at that about this time next year. The Government is expected to consult on its airspace policy either later this year or early next year and City Airport wants to see what that says before looking again at its concentrated flight paths.
Meanwhile we have set up a group of MPs, GLA members and senior local councillors to keep pressure on the airport.
PRESS RELEASES
Despair at CAA gives Go-Ahead for Concentrated Routes
27/11/15 for immediate use
Despair in East London as CAA approves new concentrated flight paths
Campaigners may mount legal challenge
Many residents in East London are in despair following yesterday’s announcement by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) that it will allow London City Airport to concentrate its flight paths (1). Campaign group HACAN East is considering legal action against the CAA.
Departure routes will be concentrated places like Bow, parts of Leyton, Leytonstone, Wanstead, Dagenham and parts of Havering. Areas of South London will also experience more concentrated routes.
The decision follows uproar at the lack of consultation on the proposals last year. City Airport just put a technical document on its website and inform the Consultative Committee. It was left to HACAN East to hold public meetings in the areas which would be affected. The airport argued that, because the change was largely replicating what was already happening, it was only required by the CAA to carry out a minimal consultation.
Local people, backed by many local authorities, MPs and members of the Greater London Authority, said that a full consultation should have been carried out as some areas would get 30% more planes than they do at present. The CAA was inundated with letters calling for a fresh consultation. Yesterday’s announcement means that the CAA has ruled out a new consultation.
HACAN East chair John Stewart said, “Many people will be in utter despair of the decision. It means that residents who were hardly overflown at all by planes from London City a few years back face (2) the prospect of living under a concentrated flight path for the rest of their lives. It is a terrible prospect.”
Stewart added, “The CAA is already under fire for its attitude towards residents around Heathrow and Gatwick. It is simply wrong that a body largely funded by the aviation industry should be taking these decisions. In our view it is not fit for purpose to have these responsibilities. We are discussing a possible legal challenge with our lawyers.”
For further information:
John Stewart on 0207 737 6641
Local resident-led group HACAN East today launches a crowdfunding campaign to fight the new, concentrated flight paths for planes to and from London City Airport.
HACAN East is seeking to raise £25,000 through crowdfunding, in order to campaign to reverse these changes within 12 months, when the Civil Aviation Authority reviews airspace changes. [1] This will help re-establish the local quality of life in the affected communities...