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Stephen Certificates/Ratings/Crew Stations: "UK needs three more runways?" 05-13-03, 17:32z  There's been quite a bit of debate on the subject of massive expansion at the UK's biggest airports. Heathrow's Terminal Five plans were the subject of intense debate - many argued that the construction would be a massive boost for the economy (creating new jobs at Heathrow, as well as increasing passenger numbers) but there was fierce opposition by environmentalists who claimed the increase in air traffic would create unacceptable levels of air pollution - but after eight years, the construction plans were approved. Just a few days ago BAA (British Airports Authority) called on the government to agree to the construction of three new runways (one at Heathrow, one at Gatwick, and perhaps even two at Stansted). I think it's quite obvious that the UK needs to have room for growth in this industry and that better aviation links will inevitably be of great benefit to the economy over the coming decades but there are several 'campaign groups', comprised largely of home-owners living near the airports flagged for expansion, who are determined to fight any plans to build new runways. There's a BBC News Online article which briefly details the situation here: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/3019095.stm A lot of people opposed to the new runways cite concerns over air pollution and noise pollution as their reasons for being against expansion but are these concerns justified? I live not too far from Teesside International Airport (the 'International' aspect of which is frequently and justifiably mocked) and I see a fair share of aircraft over my house and school as a direct result of living close to the airport. The air traffic has never been a major concern of mine although Teesside is a great deal smaller than any of the UK's major airports. Could someone who lives near a busier airport say how air traffic affects them? Has your house been devalued because you live under a busy flight path, is the noise a nuisance, do you have worries about damage being done to the environment - or, like me, are you largely unaffected by the airport's presense? I don't know a great deal about the alleged environmental impact of air traffic. Could someone tell me exactly how polluting large commercial aircraft are and whether or not environmental damage is a legitimate reason for people to oppose the construction of new runways and the additional traffic they bring to an airport? Thanks. -Stephen. Alert Edit | Reply | Reply With Quote | Top

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Subject      Author      Message Date     ID      UK needs three more runways?    Stephen       05-13-03              RE: UK needs three more runways?    RayProudfoot       05-13-03       1         RE: UK needs three more runways?    AlanParkinson       05-14-03       2            RE: UK needs three more runways?    jimh       05-15-03       3

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