Noise

Target 2005/06: 100% implementation of Heathrow noise strategy action plan for 2005/06, designed to work towards achieving future noise contour limits. These apply as follows: - 145km2 leq contour from 1 Jan 2016 with a contour of 127 km2 with any further capacity development at Heathrow.

Performance against target
Of the nine actions, four were fully achieved; five were partly achieved.

Our objectives

• Reduce noise at source
• Ensure best practice
• Reduce the impact of noise on the local community

Our strategy 2005/06
We work closely with airlines, air traffic control and local authorities to reduce the impact of aircraft noise on our local communities. This year we have continued to work on a number of large projects including the testing and designing of a new Noise and Track Keeping system.

To reduce noise at source we monitor all departing aircraft for compliance with noise limits set by the DfT and fine them in accordance with a fining system introduced by BAA. We also monitor the track-keeping of departing aircraft and the performance of airlines in achieving continuous descent approach (CDA) for all arriving aircraft.

Various measures are in place to reduce the impact on the community as far as possible, for example restrictions on night flights, runway alternation, the preferential use of runways at night, controls on ground engine runs and the introduction of fixed electrical ground power to replace the use of ground power units.
We performed well against our targets this year and continued to work towards the objectives of our Noise Strategy. Work will begin this year to review and update our strategy which expires this year. However, we will await the outcome of Project for Sustainable Development of Heathrow (see air quality section) and the related consultations before publishing the update as these will heavily influence our work priorities.

Our performance

Noise Assistance Schemes
The Government’s White Paper on Aviation recommended that airport operators should provide relocation assistance for home owners affected by high levels of aircraft noise and noise insulation for community buildings affected by medium to high noise levels. This year we successfully launched two noise assistance schemes. 

Home Relocation Assistance Scheme – provides financial assistance to homeowners living in very close to Heathrow. Eligible homeowners receive 1.5% of the value of their property, plus a lump sum of 35K up to a maximum total of £12.5K.  Since the schemes launch in August 2005, we have received 140 applications.

Community Buildings Noise Insulation Scheme - pays for secondary glazing or high specification replacement windows for schools, hospitals, nursing homes, registered nurseries, libraries and community halls that fall within the 63 leq noise contour (2002).

A new independent board, made up of members of the local community, has been appointed to allocate £5 million a year provided by BAA for the Community Buildings Noise Insulation Scheme

More information can be found at www.baa.com/noiseandblight

Continuous Descent Approach
We have continued to work on improving the percentage of arriving aircraft using the continuous descent approach procedure for all four time periods, but concentrated on the early morning arrivals period of 06:00-07:00.

This year we achieved an improvement on last year from 83% to 85% over the course of the year. This was below our target of 87% compliance and was due mainly to an increase in the use of  Tactical Enhanced Arrivals Mode, or TEAM. TEAM allows ATC to land up to 6 aircraft an hour on the departing runway to help minimise delays. A consequence of TEAM is that its makes CDA harder to achieve, due to separation required between aircraft arriving on both runways. Along with NATS and the airlines we will continue to work on this as it is an important time period for minimising early morning noise disturbance.

Community Noise Monitoring
This year we initiated a community noise monitoring study using four of BAA’s mobile monitors. The study will establish baseline noise measurements, which can be remeasured over a number of years in view of future possible changes to Heathrow operations. The first phase of the study, to monitor arriving aircraft, was carried out in January and February. The monitors will be used to monitor departing aircraft next year.

BAA Heathrow Noise Seminar
In March we hosted a Noise seminar which was well attended by a range of delegates and speakers including Government departments, noise pressure groups, aircraft and aircraft engine manufacturers, airlines and BAA.

Schools Insulation Programme
This year we completed our voluntary schools insulation programme. This means we have fully insulated learning areas in all 10 primary schools that fall within the 69 leq contour. On average, our insulation programme has delivered a reduction in noise of between 5dba and 10dba per classroom/assembly hall.

We also provided noise insulation to all the learning areas at Lampton School in Hounslow, the only secondary school to fall within the 69 leq contour. This was funded by money from the Noise Fines Fund.

Noise Insulation Scheme
148 homes received noise insulation during 2005/06 - this was in the form of loft insulation, ventilation and double/ secondary glazing to windows. We will continue to provide insulation to those homes within the scheme’s boundary that have not yet taken up the inviation for any form of insulation from the scheme.    

Vortex Protection
BAA Heathrow runs a Vortex Protection Scheme to protect homes around the Airport. Although legal liability for vortex damage rests with the airlines, BAA Heathrow is voluntarily funding this £15 million scheme as part of its commitment to the local community. This year we received around 300 calls to our 24 hour vortex protection hotline. There were 102 confirmed vortex strikes. Some 181 properties were re-roofed.

Track keeping
This year, on average 94.4% of all aircraft were on track on all routes.

Noise Infringements
This year the number of noise infringements rose from 132 to 210. This was due to a number of events throughout the year that had a negative impact on noise infringements. This included the Gate Gourmet catering dispute and severe weather conditions which led to significant delays. Because more flights left after 23:00 when the noise limits are lower, this led to more infringements.

Alternative Noise Metrics
Noise around airports is currently measured using noise contours produced by the DfT. This year we carried out a study on the potential use of alternative noise metrics, with the aim of improving the understanding of the operation and noise impact at Heathrow. After considering many options; route swathes and N70 contours (these count the number noise events over 70decibels) were commissioned and were presented at the Noise and Track Keeping Working Group and at the Noise Seminar. We will continue to explore the pros and cons of different options and will be seeking feedback on these as we go forward.

Ground noise - GPUs
Ground power units (GPUs), small diesel powered generators, can only be used to power aircraft on the stands if fixed electrical ground power (FEGP), which uses a quieter mains supply, is not available. We continue to monitor the use of GPUs and FEGP availability, ensuring that we minimise the use of GPUs.

Engine tests
The total run time for aircraft engine tests at night has decreased again, as has the number of runs.

Noise enquiries and complaints
General information on how Heathrow operates and the measures used to reduce disturbance is available on this website. For more personalised information, we operate a noise enquiries line (freephone 0800 344 844 or email noise_complaints@baa.com). Maps are available showing the postcode location of the address in relation to flight tracks. A similar service is offered to those wishing to move house and requiring information on how a particular postcode area is affected.

Residents issues and concerns
Complaint numbers rose from 4077 last year to 5190 this year. Some of this rise was due to severe weather conditions and problems with Air Traffic Control systems which led to severe delays at Heathrow during the year. We also had a lot of new callers to the information line.

Of these callers, 3597 were from the nine boroughs/districts closest to Heathrow. Regular callers account for a large percentage of complaints; in 2005/06 33% came from the top five callers and 47% came from the top 20. In addition to complaints, 490 people contacted us for general information.

Night restrictions
We manage and monitor use of the DfT’s night restriction allowances and report regularly on usage to the DfT and the Heathrow Airport Consultative Committee. The Government announced in May 2006 that it will not be increasing the night-time movement limits during the period 2006-2012.

Government Consultation on runway alternation
The Government’s consultation on runway alternation originally scheduled for March has been postponed until the end of the year. The Government is considering whether better use can be made of Heathrow’s two runways.  Some of these options could deliver extra capacity but could also mean local communities lose their quiet periods.

Use of continuous descent approach at night

Annual percentage of aircraft on track

Infringements by aircraft of departure noise limits