Civil Aviation Authority approves Birmingham Airport flight path changes

The Civil Aviation Authority has approved changes to flight paths at Birmingham Airport in response to its £33 million runway extension.

It comes despite protests by local residents in 2014 when trials began seeing planes passing over residential areas like Balsall Common instead of open countryside.

At the time, there were complaints by residents that incoming aircraft from the south were lower and noisier – and because of the longer runway the planes were touching down sooner.

Many claimed the noise was so bad it was difficult to have conversation.

A number of options known as 5 and 6 were tried at the time, with the airport settling on option 6 – which it has been using for some time.

Today the CAA said: “Detailed analysis and modelling of live trials conducted in 2014-15 revealed that the aircraft noise generated by Option 6 impacts fewer residents.

“This is also endorsed by feedback from Birmingham’s Airport’s consultation.

“However, as part of this decision, the CAA has also instructed the airport to trial the use of Option 5 for turbo-prop aeroplanes which should move aircraft away from being directly overhead Barston.

“The airport is currently undertaking further design work on a northbound departure route, known as Option 4. Once this work has been completed the airport can formally submit the route for approval to the CAA.”

Residents spoken to in the Balsall Common area say they’re pleased with the ruling by the CAA and that their concerns have been considered.

Earlier this week a spokesperson for Birmingham Airport said it’s been working closely with affected residents, particularly in Balsall Common, and say it’s been really useful for both parties to reach a compromise and introduce some measures which benefit everyone including a 4000ft ‘noise corridor’ to minimum noise disruption.

The new longer runway can now accommodate larger aircraft, like the Airbus A380 which started carrying passengers to Dubai for the first time last month.

Read more: http://www.itv.com/news/central/2016-04-06/civil-aviation-authority-approves-birmingham-airport-flight-path-changes/