Millions face life under flightpath

Several new flight paths will be introduced and National Air Traffic Services
(Nats) will create new stacks, in which aircraft circle while waiting for landing
slots.   Some of Heathrow’s present 4 stacks are likely to be moved.   Hundreds
of thousands of homes in London and the Home Counties will be affected by the
changes, which are due to come into force by 2009.   The changes are being made
because Terminal Control North airspace has almost reached its capacity.   Nats
handled 2.4 million flights last year and, on the present trend of 4% growth a
year, will handle 3.4 million by 2015.   Nats will hold a 12-week "public consultation"
towards the end of this year.   People affected by the airspace changes will be
able only to write letters of complaint, and the plans are unlikely to change
significantly.   John Stewart said Nats is effectively proposing motorways in the
skies.   (Times)

Millions face life under flightpath