Fixed noise monitors at the airport are located at approximately 6.5km from start-of-roll. This encourages aircraft operators to gain height and then reduce engine power and noise as soon as possible.

There are 10 fixed monitors around Heathrow. The location of the monitors takes account of the noise preferential routes and was decided in the early 1990s following consultation.

There are noise limits applied at these fixed noise monitors for departing aircraft.

These are:

We fine airlines whose aircraft breach the noise limits. The money raised is donated to local community projects through the Noise Fines Fund.

There are no arrivals noise limits. In light of the findings of a report published in 1999, the then Aviation Minister decided against imposing operational noise limits for arriving aircraft. BAA was, however, involved in the production of the Arrivals Code of Practice. For more information, see our arrivals factsheet.