Noise campaigners say flight path change affecting residents
23.07.10
Noise campaigners say the number of people in Luton being disturbed by aircraft noise has doubled because pilots are using the 'wrong' flight path, Bedford Today reports. Luton Airport Noise Action Group chairman Peter Hunt says a report published by the airport shows aircraft taking off in a westerly direction have been flying over homes in south Luton unnecessarily for the last 8 years.
Mr Hunt says that despite a reduction in the number of flights, the number of people affected by noise levels above 60db during the day has risen significantly. He said: ‘Once upon a time the planes would fly out of the airport, do a slow left along Airport Way then go off towards Junction 10 of the M1. Now they don't start turning at the end of the runway anymore, they make their turn a lot later.’
However, Luton Airport refute Mr Hunt's claims, saying pilots use a 3km-wide path in the air when they take off, and are entitled to fly anywhere within that area. A spokesman told the newspaper: ‘Luton Airport has made no change to the westerly flight path. It is 3km wide at its widest point and planes can fly a line anywhere within this area to ensure the safety of both plane and passengers. Pilots require this degree of leeway to take account of a number of factors including prevailing winds and local meteorological conditions.’
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