Jet noise fear as air routes change
Big shake- up in flight paths at Prestwick
Communities are set to suffer more aircraft noise under plans to switch flight paths in and out of Prestwick.
The airport has prepared a complex 81- page consultation document on “Airspace Change” which details proposed new routes.
A public consultation will run until September 13 and the airport boss says change is needed because of satellite technology.
The current routes were put in place because of the rudimentary nature of flights systems in the 1960s.
Some analogue systems from that era are only now being replaced as part of a national upgrade.
Airport boss Ron Smith says he wants new flight paths to mirror existing routes, but the documents do reveal change.
Two new routes are planned towards Northumberland and Kintyre to avoid the current situation where craft have to turn back on themselves.
One alternative for south west departures will mean more noise in Troon as aircraft will not turn until nearly 2km from the end of the main runway 30.
This means planes will fly straight next to Troon rather than turning earlier.
A new route for Iceland and US bound flights is said to be “more efficient” but would also impact noise on Troon.
Take- offs and landings to the second runway, known as 12, could also have impact on Mossblown and Annbank, Trabboch, Coylton, Drongan and Dalrymple. The preferred route is closer to Coylton and will partially overfly Hillhead.
Eastern departures from runway 12 would fly closer to Cumnock and Ochiltree.
Airport boss Smith said: “The navigation aids that assist aircraft to fly in and out of Prestwick are due to be taken out of service in 2018, and in preparation for this, we need to design upgraded routes now before the current equipment reaches the end of its working life.”
The Civil Aviation Authority will ultimately have to approve any decision made by the airport.
Detailed plans showing all options can be viewed at libraries or via the airport website.