Airplane Noise on Windsor Castle and Its Surroundings

by

Airplane noise is a significant issue affecting Windsor Castle and its surroundings, primarily due to its proximity to Heathrow Airport. The area experiences a high frequency of flights, with some residents reporting planes passing overhead every 30 seconds during peak periods. This noise pollution can be particularly disruptive, especially when the wind conditions channel the sound directly over the castle and nearby communities.

How Often Do Airplanes Fly Over Windsor Castle?

Airplane Noise on Windsor Castle and Its Surroundings
Image Credit: Wikimedia

Frequency of Flights

Windsor Castle is situated under the flight path of Heathrow Airport, one of the busiest airports in the world. As a result, there are numerous flights passing over the area daily, with some residents reporting flights every 30 seconds during peak periods.

East Wind Impact

When there is an east wind, aircraft noise is channeled over Windsor, Datchet, and Holyport for 100% of the time, causing significant disturbance to the residents and visitors of Windsor Castle.

Primary Factors Affecting Noise Level

Airplane Noise on Windsor Castle and Its Surroundings

Flight Paths

The southern runway at Heathrow Airport is a major contributor to noise over Windsor Castle, particularly when aircraft lower their undercarriage later and after passing over the castle.

Operational Parameters

The noise level is also affected by the operational parameters of aircraft during take-off and landing, such as glide angles and the timing of undercarriage deployment.

Weather Conditions

Weather conditions like hot summer months and easterly winds can exacerbate the noise issue, as the sound is more easily carried and amplified under these conditions.

Measures to Reduce Noise Impact

Runway Alternation

Implementing full runway alternation at Heathrow Airport could reduce the noise burden on Windsor and surrounding areas by splitting the noise 50:50 between the two runways.

Noise Reduction Measures

Changing operational parameters, such as steeper glide angles and later undercarriage deployment, can help reduce noise levels over Windsor Castle and the surrounding areas.

Noise Insulation Schemes

Heathrow Airport has noise insulation schemes in place, although their effectiveness and availability have been questioned by some residents.

Independent Expert Advice

Access to independent expert advice on aircraft operations and noise mitigation is crucial for communities surrounding Heathrow, as it can help inform and empower residents to work with the airport on effective solutions.

Resident Adaptation and Noise Mitigation Strategies

Double Glazing

Many residents have fitted double glazing to reduce noise levels, although this may not be sufficient to completely eliminate the disturbance caused by the frequent airplane flyovers.

Noise Averaging

The use of noise averaging metrics can mask the true impact of noise events, making it essential to use a suite of noise metrics for accurate measurement and assessment of the problem.

Community Engagement

Residents and local authorities must be empowered to work with Heathrow Airport to develop and implement effective noise reduction strategies that address the unique challenges faced by the Windsor Castle and its surrounding communities.

References

  1. Get Reading. (2021, September 8). Windsor’s biggest problems, according to people that live there. Retrieved from https://www.getreading.co.uk/news/reading-berkshire-news/windsors-biggest-problem-according-people-21504294

  2. West Windsor Residents Association. (2023, July 13). How and why you should respond to the Heathrow Airport Noise Management Plan. Retrieved from https://www.westwindsorresidentsassociation.org.uk/clewer-dedworth/how-and-why-you-should-respond-to-the-heathrow-airport-noise-management-plan/8922

  3. Hazlemere. (2011, June). Aircraft noise pollution becoming a bigger issue for homes around London Heathrow. Retrieved from https://www.hazlemere.co.uk/blog/2011/06/aircraft-noise-pollution-becoming-a-bigger-issue-for-homes-around-london-heathrow/

  4. TripAdvisor. (2008, March 19). Windsor in the Flight Path: Are you bothered by Noise? Retrieved from https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g186419-i1323-k1830351-Windsor_in_the_Flight_Path_Are_you_bothered_by_Noise-Windsor_Windsor_and_Maidenhead_Berkshi.html

  5. Teddington Action Group. (2021, July 8). Low flights in and out of Heathrow cause extra noise. Retrieved from http://www.teddingtonactiongroup.com/2021/07/08/low-flights-heathrow/.

Leave a Comment