Flightpath Watch - airport survey, Downe results

Airport Survey- Downe results 

Many thanks to those residents who took time to fill out a "Flightpath Watch" questionnaire recently on the proposal to increase operating hours for Biggin Hill airport.  All questionnaires have been added to the Flightpath Watch database.

In advance of Flightpath Watch results being communicated, I have collated and briefly analysed the results for Downe.  Communicating this to you has been approved by Flightpath Watch - albeit with the health warning that the official Flightpath Watch statistics may differ very slightly.

Biggin Hill Airport hours -  Downe Survey results (of 246 returns)  

Q1: Are you in favour of extended operating hours per week (an increase of 27%)?Yes/Don't know:  30/246                                    No:  205/246 (87.8%)        

Q2: Would you be happy with more jet aircraft over this area as a result of extending operation hours, knowing that the airport intends to use more of the larger type of aircraft?

Yes/Don't know:  23/246                                   No: 223/246  (90.6%)

Q3:  Do you think that last flights over this area at 11pm (probably 11.10pm) are a good idea?

Yes/Don't know:  23/246                                    No:  223/246   (90.6%)

Q4:  Do you think that first flights over this area at 6.30am (probably 6.20am) are a good idea?

Yes/Don't know:  42/246                                    No:  204/246  (82.9%)

Q5:  Do you think that people’s right to sleep should be protected by preventing extended hours?

Yes:  217/246  (88.2%)                      No/Don't know  29/246     

Q6:  Should special consideration be given to protecting children’s sleep by preventing extended hours?

Yes: 218/246  (88.6%)                                 No/Don't know 28/246

Q7: If you had a choice, do you think that Bromley Council should impose stricter noise controls (not ‘best efforts’) on the airport on the flight path over this area?

Yes: 227/246  (92.3%)                      No/Don't know 19/246

Control noise down the main flight path

Y =  175   (71.1%)

  

Exclude large aircraft like 737s and Airbus (or similar)    

Y = 223      (90.6%)

  

Move/change flight path   

Y = 80     (32.5%)

  

Restrict to the current levels   

Y = 200    (81.3%)

  

Reduce hours   

Y = 112       (45.5%)

  

Avoid the PRU hospital   

Y = 125      (50.8%)

If you live in Downe and did not receive a questionnaire and wish to participate by completing one, please contact me, via Downe Mailing.

Please visit the www.flightpathwatch.co.uk website for more information, where it suggests you can write to London Borough of Bromley to make your feelings clear.  

Steve Barnes

Downe Residents' Association 

-----------------

Downe Mailing (179)