Low-flying planes on wrong route a concern

In the skies over our heads there is a oneway system for planes.

They come in to land in an easterly direction over Windsor centre – extremely frequently and noisily.

While the noise from one plane is passing on, noise from the next one approaching comes only 20 or 30 seconds later, so it is almost constant.

When planes take off in the opposite direction (westerly) over Windsor, they are on higher thrust to climb and so even more noisy and attract attention.

Outbounds going west from Heathrow are supposed to fly north of Windsor centre on a route known as the Noise Preference Route (NPR).

Over four days last week, 12 outbound flights flew on a wrong course over central Windsor, including one directly over

Windsor Castle and the royal apartments, and at a height of only 2,700 feet.

Take off is one of the most dangerous phases of air flight and flying directly over the castle could be a security or even a terrorist risk.

When I look up at the belly of 100 tons of metal, fuel and people, and I know that it is not supposed to be there – but should be north of the town and should be at 4,000 ft or even at 5,000 ft – I find it alarming.

It might be that all is well and we are safe. But as we look up we don’t know that.

Heathrow, could you please not alarm us with these unexpected outbound overflights?

For Windsor residents who are affected and concerned by aircraft noise, safety and pollution, please email your concerns to noise@heathrow.com

ANDREW HALL Windsor Road Water Oakley