Heathrow is planning to trial steeper aircraft landing to reduce noise.

The trial is one of 10 steps the airport is taking through its Blueprint for Noise Reduction to explore ways to improve noise levels.

Heathrow said if the plan is adopted it will be the UK’s only airport to introduce steeper approaches as a means to reduce noise on the ground.

The international standard approach for most airports is set at three degrees, except for obstacle clearance. Heathrow want to increase this to 3.5 degrees and so from September 14 will trial an angle approach of 3.2 degrees.

The trial has been approved by the Civil Aviation Authority and will run until March 2016. While the trial is optional, a large number of airlines that have the necessary standard of navigational equipment for this approach are expected to take part.

Heathrow director of sustainability and environment Matt Gorman said: “Heathrow has changed, and taken a new approach to addressing our impacts on communities, including when it comes to noise. Our Blueprint to cut aircraft noise have been driven by feedback from local communities.  It role is to challenge the industry to think innovatively about ways to reduce noise.

“Steeper approaches are just one step in the right direction, and along with other quieter operating procedures and incentives to bring quieter aircraft into operation, will ensure fewer people are affected by noise, even with an expanded airport.”

Source: BuyingBusinessTravel