LHR CPT deps and BA

[HEATHROW DIRECTOR]

Does anyone know the purpose of the "trial" which some BA 747s are flying on easterlies where they turn want to fly the SID off 09R instead of a radar heading as usual? The reason for a radar heading is because the departures potentially conflict with aircraft descending downwind from OCK and BIG and with traffic on the 09L ILS. I mention this because although we'll do what we can it may not be possible to accommodate the request every time.

[Gonzo]

Hi HD

First I've heard about a trial. How long has this been going on?

Gonzo.

[HEATHROW DIRECTOR]

Hi Gonzo. Dunno. I had one last cycle (a week ago) which I couldn't accommodate - no comment from the crew though. Two days ago there was a SID chart in TC with four or five BA callsigns on it which were the ones wanting right turns direct WOD. Whoever thinks up these screwy ideas obviously hasn't been up the sharp end.

Merry Crimble..

[Gonzo]

Silly me forgot to ask about this at work today, will try and remember tomorrow!

Gonzo.

[Duke of Burgundy]

Hello HD...I believe it`s a noise thing. They apparently did want to trial flying the whole SID with these flights, but agreed a compromise when it was pointed out as you have, the conflict with 09 ILS traffic. I think the important bit for this trial is the initial part of the NPR before the aircraft intercepts the 285 QDM to WOD. CPT departures from 09R are regularly complained about by the local noise lobbies because of the different profiles flown, depending on wind, allocated heading etc and I guess this may be part of an attempt by Heathrow Airport Ltd to be a better neighbour. <img src="confused.gif" border="0"> <img src="confused.gif" border="0">

[Gonzo]

Asked around the tower today HD and nobody seems to have heard of this trial. There's certainly nothing official in the way of paperwork or ATCOMS etc.

Gonzo.