If I complain about noise what happens to the complaint?
Every complaint received is logged and investigated, and each is responded to if requested.
Why do some aircraft appear to fly so much lower than others?
It's quite normal for aircraft to operate at a range of heights. It is important to stress that aircraft vary considerably in size and larger aircraft do often appear to be operating lower than others.
Where can I file a complaint about aircraft noise?
This text will explain where you can file a complaint about aircraft noise and under what conditions. It also explains what will be done with your complaint and what to expect.
How is aircraft noise measured?
Why are the noise monitors placed where they are?
Our noise monitors are located at the fixed noise monitoring positions in Livingston, Broxburn and Cramond.
I want the noise measured at my home, how can you know what the noise levels are at my property?
Noise measurements are not taken at individual properties, however noise contour maps are used to predict which geographical areas will likely be the most disturbed by noise.
If I complain about noise what happens to the enquiry?
Every enquiry received is logged and investigated, and each is responded to if requested. To investigate noise enquiries, we use a Noise and Track system which combines data from our radar feed, operations data feed and noise monitoring stations to provide us with up to date and accurate information. All this information feeds in to a ‘Noise and Track System’, on this NTK system members of the public can investigate the flight track and noise levels of specific aircraft themselves, or they can lodge a enquiry which will be investigated and will receive a reply within eight working days, if the enquiry requires further investigation you will be informed when a full reply will be received.
Why are you flying over me (easterly or westerly) when there is no wind?
How do I know if the aircraft that I have seen was on the right flight path and flying at the correct height?
Air Traffic Control is in constant contact with all aircraft, and they define their route and heights. The Standard Instrument Departure (SID) routes in use at this time are not precision routes and as such there is wide dispersal in the routes that aircraft will fly. The current ground based technology directs aircraft to ‘waypoints’ along the route. Noise Preferential Routes were introduced on the SID routes by the airport to minimise disturbance on local communities. The Noise Preferential Routes end at 3,000ft (4,000ft on the GRICE SID from Runway 24). The current SIDs extend 1.5km from the centre line of the route
Can I get compensation for noise disturbance?
Aircraft noise is governed by civil aviation legislation. At Edinburgh Airport, we offer a Noise Insulation Scheme to residential properties in the 63 dBLeq contour and above. Please click on the link below for further information.
Why am I hearing aircraft noise at night? Aren’t there restrictions on night flights?
Edinburgh Airport is a 24-hour operational airport. There are no restrictions on night flying at Edinburgh Airport.
Why was an aircraft flying over my home, I am not under a flight path?
Occasionally aircraft may be diverted off the normal flight path for weather avoidance. A flight will request from ATC a deviation from flight path for weather avoidance. ATC agree to the captain’s requested course whenever possible, as it is the captain's responsibility to ensure the safety of the aircraft and ATC have no recourse to that decision making.
What if I have a question about a specific aircraft or noise, who do I contact?
Why do some aircraft appear to fly so much lower than others?
It's quite normal for aircraft to operate at a range of heights. It is important to stress that aircraft vary considerably in size and larger aircraft do often appear to be operating lower than others.