HC Deb 28 November 1966 vol 737 cc26-7W
Sir R. Russell

asked the President of the Board of Trade if he will give a brief description of the glide paths normally used by aircraft landing at London Airport, and of the direction normally used by aircraft on take-off.

Mr. Mason

When taking-off and landing at Heathrow, aircraft are normally heading due west. The slope of the glide paths for landing under instrument approach procedures is three degrees. When traffic is heavy aircraft are required not to descend below 2,000 feet before intercepting the glide path at about 6 n.m. from touchdown point. When traffic is light aircraft are kept at 2,500 feet or more before intercepting at about 8 n.m.