Representation by Denis G. Holton
- Date submitted
- 15 September 2018
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
1).Available airports for heavy freight aircraft are very few in the southeast of the UK. In fact, if one draws a line east to west across England based upon Gatwick, there is no other existing airport below this line, capable of accomodating an aircraft of 400 tonnes.( approx max landing weight of B747 8F). This due in the main to weight limitations on the structural strength of runways and taxyways etc. Only one airport qualifies -MANSTON. The last runway classification before closure, published in the EASA Aeronautical publication (AIP. 7th Mar 2013) which gives a loading factor (LCN) of 75F. i.a.w.British Classification Tables. That is 365 tonnes, plus allowable 10% (401 T). 2). Air traffic congestion. With an expansion of Heathrow, etc, in those areas approaches/departures will be very restrictive, there are not that many ways in and out of the one location. Aircraft movements for MANSTON will not need access to the main 'London' complex 3). Air freight is growing at 5% annual. UK must improve access by airfreight, particularly in the new trading scenario. 4). If MANSTON disappears, the South of England will NEVER have an airfreight airport. Where would one find the room and the willingness to accept? Airfreight gone FOREVER. 5) Aircraft movements. The National and local agreements should apply, particularly for night operations. The proposed 12000 max., movements equates to 6000 aircraft that is one aircraft each 44 minutes of a 12 hour day.( Christmas and Easter excluded) 6). MANSTONS' runway was laid down in 1943, 'noise complainers' should wonder why they built or bought a house on the west bound approach path. My home is approx half mile south of the eastbound traffic pattern, with modern aircraft and engines, noise is not a factor. It's a fact that most people don't even look up to the sky when a 747 passes, With Regards , Denis G. Holton