Managing Aircraft Noise

Goodwood Aerodrome strives to be a good neighbour by managing aircraft related noise in a number of ways. The Aerodrome operates within a Section 52 Agreement which sets operational and performance limits for Aerodrome users.  This legally binding agreement was established in 1987 with Chichester District Council and sets operational limits for:

• The maximum number of movements in a calendar year
• The maximum number of ‘touch and go’ movements by training aircraft
• A maximum number of helicopter movements
• A maximum number of helicopter training circuits
• The maximum all up weight (MAUW) of any aircraft using the Aerodrome

Further to these specific operational limits, additional criteria is applied in the interests of our neighbours within the local community.  These are;

• Touch and go training circuits for helicopters and fixed wind aircraft are restricted to 0900Hrs-1800Hrs or sunset, whichever is earlier
• Fixed wing touch and go training is not permitted after 1400Hrs on a Sunday
• Helicopter training circuits are not permitted on a Sunday
• Night flying is restricted to not more than two evenings in any one week, and not later than 2200Hrs
• All movements are restricted to the period 0700Hrs – 2100Hrs, except for specific movements in exceptional circumstances.

Within the Section 52 Agreement there is a requirement to develop and adopt Noise Preferred Routings (NPRs) to avoid, where possible, flying over noise sensitive areas.  Five of the runways at Goodwood have associated NPRs for aircraft departures. These are Runways 10, 14, 24, 28, and Runway 32.

To ensure that pilots flying from Goodwood are fully briefed about departure noise routes, we have many other ways that pilots are advised of the noise sensitive areas, such as unambiguous airfield information signs adjacent to runways, links to the noise routing charts on the website and individual noise maps for each runway that the pilot can take with them when they depart.  What we are not able to do is to physically control or direct aircraft in the air. 

Goodwood Aerodrome operates a Flight Information Service (FIS) which is an advisory/information service within the air traffic zone.  The air traffic zone has a radius of 2nm from the centre of the Aerodrome, up to a height of 2000’ above Aerodrome level (2110’ above mean sea level).  Outside of the air traffic zone, compliance with the Rules of the Air is entirely the pilots’ responsibility.

Aerodrome Consultative Committee