Heathrow Approach
 

Just a quickie.

My office is in Richmond and pretty much directly below the east-west approach path into Heathrow. When aircraft are landing from this direction (almost always) the aircraft are usually directly above me. Today they appear to have shifted about a mile further north.

Just wondered if there was a technical reason for this or if it was a case of sort of follow my leader after the first one of the day was routed in.

Cheers

Riccal

There are two runways at Heathrow. One is usually for landing and the other for take-off. When aircraft are landing over Richmond, the runway is changed periodically to spread noise. For example, if they are landing on the southerly runway in the morning, they change to the north one at 3pm. Next week they land on the northerly one until 3pm and then change.

HTH

HD, many thanks. I must admit I cant hear the aircraft on their approach that little bit further away.

Just out of interest, occassionally, the aircraft have taken off west to east and are usually turning as they come to where we are in Richmond. Am I correct to assume that is dependent on the wind direction which is assume is usually from the West around here.

Cheers

Riccal

Yes, that's right

Casper - Live Aircraft Tracking is interesting to watch!

Thanks OS, you are right - that is very interesting.
Many thanks the replies guys.
Cheers
Riccal