Air Traffic, ILS & Navigation Aids

[News Guru]

[textarea]BAR backs Heathrow mixed mode trials

The Board of Airline Representatives in the UK (BAR UK), a group that promotes the business interests of scheduled airlines within th UK, welcomed the report by the South East Airports Taskforce. It said that the trails of mixed mode operation at the airport would 'add robustness' at Heathrow, although it would not 'provide a proper solution to the chronic lack of airport capacity in London and South East England.'

The report contains proposals to allow ‘operational freedoms’ for more flexible use of runway capacity at Heathrow at times of operational needs. Mike Carrivick, Chief Executive BAR UK, said ‘The proposal will hopefully go a long way to enhancing the limited operational robustness of Heathrow.'

'Our airline members look forward to the phased trials that will take place to demonstrate the benefits. These should include far less aircraft ‘holding’ resulting in much improved punctuality, fewer delays and reduced emissions.'

However, he added: 'Whilst we support for the outcomes of this Taskforce, the proposals do not address the airport capacity needed to maintain the UK competitive edge in aviation, and the economy in general.'

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[Aviador]

I cannot understand why there's so much fuss about operating in mixed mode. Other airports around the world already do it without any problem. So long as any safety concerns are addressed the airport should be allowed to use this method of air traffic control as and when necessary.

 

[News Guru]

[textarea]Locals warned of Heathrow runway use changes

People living under Heathrow Airport's flight path have received leaflets detailing changes to rules that allow the use of both runways simultaneously. The runways are restricted to take-off or landing and switch each afternoon, except in an emergency, to give residents respite from the noise. As part of a trial starting next month the threshold for triggering the emergency system will be lowered to allow airport operator BAA to minimise disruption.

Under the changes, dual use can be deployed when a plane faces a 10-minute wait to land or take off and if 30% of all flights are delayed by more than 15 minutes. The average time delay for flights at the west London airport is currently 12 minutes. The first trial finishes on February 29, with the second trial running from 1 July 2012 until 30 September - coinciding with the London Olympics.

The trial was recommended by the Department for Transport and will be overseen by the Civil Aviation Authority. BAA believe the changes will allow them to test measures that could reduce the negative impact of disruptions on local residents, passengers and the environment.

A spokesman said: ‘Heathrow operates at near full capacity, meaning that even small disruptions can have a major impact on the flight schedule. [The trial] will not result in any additional flights and could mean less unscheduled night flights, less airborne holding in the stacks and a more predictable and punctual service.’

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[Aviador]

It all sounds like logical progression and to be honest I don't know why they've never tried to implement mixed mode before. Just about every dual parallel runway operation I can think of in Europe operates in mixed mode.

The "less aircraft holding" sounds a bit gimmicky though because if more aircraft can use mixed more it will inevitably lead to increase movements eventually.