Runway usage at LHR

[trustno1]

Hi there.

Please could someone explain how ATC decides which runway to use at LHR. For example, on Wed and Thur this week arriving aircraft landed on 27L until 15:00 when they changed to 27R. Is there an agreement in place with the residents to alternate runways and is there a set pattern which is followed.

Many Thanks.

[Gonzo]

Yes, if we're on westerlies (ie. landing from London, taking off towards Windsor), then we swap the landing runway at 1500 local due to noise agreements. There is a set pattern, which swaps back every week.