I am sorry that you have found cause to complain about the operation of the Airport and apologise for any disturbance caused. As the operators of Manston, Kent’s International Airport, we are very conscious of the noise generated by the Airport in the local community. For this reason, Manston has in place operational guidelines for all aircraft operators designed to minimise airport related noise on the community.

Your complaint has been investigated and the aircraft concerned was operating in accordance with safe working practice. Details of the Aircraft operating around the time you mention is as follows:-

Date: 09.12.11
Time Arrival: 0332
Time Departure: 0615
Operator/Aircraft: World Airways MD11 - QC2

Night flights occasionally operate at Manston Airport. Such flights have occurred since before the airport was purchased by the current operator and these non scheduled flights are provided for in the Section 106 Planning Agreement in place between the airport and Thanet District Council. Noisy flights, described in the agreement as having a QC above 4 attract a payment into a community fund managed by the Airport Consultative Committee. This process remains active and the airport is compliant with the S106 Agreement.

Planning controls in place at Manston oblige us not to permit “Regular Night Flying Operations” defined as flight movements which occur frequently or regularly to the same or similar patterns for the same operator during night-time. It does however allow the irregular movement of aircraft during night-time hours, when a flight suffers a delay to its operation causing it to operate off schedule. This type of activity is permitted as it is essential to allow the aircraft operator to continue its flying programme, not incur further delay to its flying schedule and meet its customer’s requirements.

The Air Traffic Control staff at Manston work hard to ensure that the Noise Abatement Procedures are adhered to as air traffic or weather conditions permit and will continue to monitor flight paths flown. Where necessary and possible, operators will be diverted on to disturbance minimising paths.

Whilst we endeavour to avoid noise pollution where possible, our overriding concern is air safety.

At Manston, we have made, and will continue to make, substantial investments in our Air Traffic Services facility both in terms of equipment and human resource. This facility provides a comprehensive compliant service, including adherence to our S106 commitments relating to noise abatement.

I hope that this information is helpful to you. The details of your complaint will be logged for statistical purposes.

Yours sincerely
Manston, Kent’s International Airport

Thanks for the update, Peter.

This is something that seems to be happening more frequently - planes arriving AND departing within the night-time period. This is simply CONTEMPT for everyone living within earshot of the flightpath.

What a crock, it was a noisy aircraft at 3.23 and it woke us, next door, and loads of Southwood Road residents. Manston airport why won't you listen, NO NIGHT FLIGHTS.

Complained to TDC and asked my complaint to be directed to Madeleine Homer, Sue McGonigal and Harvey Patterson given that I was complaining about the council's complete failure to monitor, sanction etc as per the S106. Had this reply today.


Dear

Customer Feedback Reference Number: 32643/1936800

Thank you for your recent communication which was received on 12/12/2011. This has been passed to Penny Button - Environmental Health Manager who is our leading officer for noise pollution. In the event that you are not satisfied with Mrs Button's response your complaint will then be escalated to Harvey Patterson, and if still unsatisfied, to Sue McGonigal.

You will receive a response within ten working days of 12/12/2011 which will outline any actions planned, or taken, as a result of your feedback. If necessary, we may need to contact you to obtain further information to assist us in this process.

If you have not received a response from Penny Button within this time, please do not hesitate to contact the Council for further assistance.

In order for us to respond as efficiently as possible, please ensure that you quote the above reference number in all communications relating to this matter.

Thank you for taking the time to contact us.

Yours sincerely
Marie Hamm
Business Support Officer
Corporate & Regulatory Services