Edinburgh Airport launches new flight path plans

A new attempt to change flight paths at Edinburgh Airport has been launched. Their earlier controversial proposals were thrown out by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) in October 2018 after it deemed the differences between the consultation and the final proposals were “too significant”.  West Fife residents and politicians had raised their concerns during the process as it was feared the plans would mean more planes overhead, with more noise and pollution. Fears were also expressed that one of the proposed new routes would mean that North Queensferry would have flights going over it 365 days a year. The airport has now submitted a Statement of Need to the CAA in a renewed effort to modernise the existing routes which they say currently rely on 1950s technology. The new flight paths would use the new technology to fly very accurately, all along exactly the same route. This is sold to the public as minimising the number of people affected (it affects a smaller number, but severely) and minimally cutting CO2 emissions, if planes fly a marginally shorter route. The noise problem would be great for those intensely affected, especially at peak times of day – like early morning.  Residents have to keep battling the airport ….
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Edinburgh Airport launches new flight path plans

19th April 2019

The Dunfirmline Press

A FRESH attempt to change flight paths at Edinburgh Airport has been launched.

The airport’s previous controversial proposals were thrown out by the Civil Aviation Authority in October after the governing body deemed the differences between the consultation and the final proposals were “too significant”.

West Fife residents and politicians had raised their concerns during the process as it was feared that what was on the table would result in an increase in the number of planes passing over the area and bring more noise and pollution.

Fears were also expressed that one of the proposed new routes would mean that North Queensferry would have flights going over it 365 days a year.

The airport has now submitted a Statement of Need to the CAA in a renewed effort to modernise the existing routes which they say currently rely on 1950s technology.

In its submission, it outlines the airport’s desire to “take advantage of improved navigational capability” which will allow better planning and increase the capacity of the airspace and the runway, particularly in peak times.

“This may also minimise the environmental impacts of flights in terms of the total number of people overflown, as well as when and how often they are overflown – while also cutting average CO2 emissions,” it states.

“We believe an improved airspace with the right flight paths and technology for Edinburgh Airport will ensure our airport can meet existing and future demand by increasing the capacity of its runways and allow flights to depart with fewer delays and environmental impacts.”

Edinburgh Airport bosses are now writing to MPs, MSPs local councillors and the Edinburgh Airport Noise Advisory Board in their efforts to be as transparent as possible about their latest proposals.

A spokesperson added: “We have always stated our airspace needs to be modernised to cope with current demand and provide us with capacity for future growth, and that remains the case.

“This modernisation process is also something that we and every other airport in the UK has been asked to look at by the UK Government as it moves towards a more accurate and efficient approach to airspace management and any new routes will take advantage of that improved navigational capability.

“We will be working closely with a number of partners, including our local communities, to finalise these plans and aim to open a consultation later this year so we can gather thoughts and explain our thinking and that dialogue will continue throughout this process.”

https://www.dunfermlinepress.com/news/17585992.edinburgh-airport-launch-fresh-flight-path-plans/

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