HC Deb 07 October 2003 vol 411 cc189-90W
Mr. Gerrard

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what changes have taken place in the last three years in the number of aircraft on flight paths above Walthamstow. [131581]

Mr. McNulty

Records are not kept of the numbers of aircraft routed over Walthamstow. Approximately 20 to 25 per cent. of Heathrow arrivals overfly Walthamstow or adjoining areas. Aircraft inbound to London City overfly Walthamstow only occasionally.

There are no Heathrow departure routes over Walthamstow. A London City departure route passes over the south of the area.

Mr. Gerrard

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what altitude restrictions apply to aircraft on flight paths above Walthamstow; and how these have changed in the last five years. [131582]

Mr. McNulty

The airspace over all of Walthamstow above 2,500 ft has been classified as 'controlled' for many years. Over the southernmost quarter of Walthamstow the airspace has been controlled to ground level since the opening of London City Airport. Aircraft using Heathrow and City operate within this controlled airspace. Aircraft inbound to Heathrow will normally be above 5,000 ft.

Over the remainder of my hon. Friend's constituency below 2,500 ft, helicopters and general aviation aircraft from smaller aerodromes can determine routes and altitudes according to their particular requirements. Such flights are subject to the Rules of the Air Regulations, notably Rule 5, which means most will be above 1,500 ft.

There have been no changes to the airspace over Walthamstow in the last five years.

Mr. Gerrard

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport for which airports(a) inbound and (b) outbound flight paths overfly Walthamstow; and how this has changed in the last three years. [131583]

Mr. McNulty

The information requested is as follows.

Inbound—There are no fixed paths over Walthamstow for arriving aircraft although they tend to follow a regular pattern that varies depending on wind direction and how busy Heathrow airport is at the time. Aircraft over-flying Walthamstow comprise mainly those descending from the Lambourne holding stack en route to the final approach to Heathrow, and occasionally aircraft inbound to London City. Exceptionally, aircraft inbound to Stansted may be routed over Walthamstow.

Outbound—There are no Heathrow departure routes over Walthamstow, but air traffic controllers are permitted to use all controlled airspace, and so a small number of Heathrow departures may overfly Walthamstow above 4,000ft. Any London City departures over Walthamstow will normally be above 3,000ft. Aircraft departing from other south-east airports can be routed over the Walthamstow area, but will be at much higher altitudes and probably not be heard.

There have been no changes to these airspace arrangements in the last three years.

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