LHR flightpaths - SE London
 

Had several observations that number of planes over SE London (Greenwich, Deptford, Lewisham, Blackheath) appears to have fallen considerably since, oooh, probably autumn last year.

Which is very nice; thanks chaps. Question is, how is it achieved?

You can't have been looking at the right time but I guess they've been moved to my area;)

Strategic positioning of cloud to obscure the truth from those underneath?

I was still working there until late autumn and I'm not aware of any changes to procedures, unless they have been instigated since I retired. "Flight path" is something of a misnomer because it suggests something which may be regular or permanent whereas the tracks flown by inbound aircraft to Heathrow vary by the minute. It will depend on how busy they are, how many aircraft are off the stacks, prevailing wind, spacing on final approach, etc. The actual tracks flown are determined by the radar controllers and are entirely at the discretion of the indivdual controller at the time, within certain limits. However, if by some coincidence you're a happier man then good on yer! Personally, when Heathrow is on easterlies the more that fly base legs over my house the better.... even if I do feel a little sad at not being at West Drayton "doing it".

Where have you been HD? :D

Easterlies is much better for me also, I get a great view of anything downwind north of the field, an amazing view of BNN if it's busy, and if it's quiet we get one or two on a tight left base coming right overhead.

Gonzo.

There's still plenty over my house in Bromley - many thanks, keep up the good work chaps, and don't even think of vectoring them elsewhere :} :} :} :ok:

I'd noticed it too... but I'd put it down to the prolonged period of Esterlies earlier in the year...

Now, if there's any chance of you vectoring Speedbird Two onto the 27R localiser at about 15 miles, I'd have a wonderful view :D ...

The girlfriends' in Blackheath, and the 27 'finals' turn is right over her house! I do really try my best to listen to her talking, and not look up, honest :}

What about re-routing over Bermondsey? theres not a lot else of interest going on in the neighbourhood :p