Airspace Change Community Consultation Report—Alternate Departure Headings-Calgary Airport Runways 17L and 17R.
Nav Canada has published and posted its final report in this regard under the above noted title. The following is a brief summary.
History: Southbound departing air traffic has historically predominantly used the west runway (17R) which runs close to Renfrew, Mayland Heights, Bridgeland, and Winston Heights with the minority of the southbound departing traffic using the east runway (17L) close to communities such as Marlborough, Rundle, Whitehorn. All nighttime southbound departures used 17R and so departed over Renfrew, Mayland Heights etc. This means that we have to deal with all the noise at night.
In response to continued requests for traffic equalization of southbound departures on the two parallel runways (17R and 17L) and in consideration of other factors, an alternate departure headings trial (also referred to as Jet turn trial) was initiated.
Trial: “Through increased overflight of non-residential land, the trial was anticipated to reduce the cumulative noise exposure for many communities south of the airport, while ensuring a safe and efficient operation. The alternate headings target areas of commercial use land on initial take off and allowing aircraft to gain more altitude before they are directly above residential areas when compared to the existing heading.”
In partnership with the Calgary Airport Authority, Nav Canada commenced a trial in 2019 of alternate departure headings for aircraft departing runways 17L and 17R at Calgary International Airport (CYYC).
The consultation process ran from January 24, 2022, to March 11, 2022, and feedback was gathered from the public through an internet survey and public information sessions, and both were advertised by the Renfrew Community Association.
When considering the results of the survey, interactions with members of the public such as email/telephone conversations, and discussions during public meetings, there was a mix of support and opposition to the alternate departure headings. Following the consultation, all input received was assessed and considered; many residents provided feedback about the greater impact of the trial during the overnight period.
Results: The following is the decision made by Nav Canada: “based on the overall benefits of reduced track mileage and the associated reduction in GHG emissions, permanent use of Alternate Departure Headings for departures from runways 17L and 17R should proceed but their use will be discontinued daily between the hours of midnight and 6:00 am (0000–0600) local time.”
This means that if we do not make our voices heard, all southbound departing aircraft will continue to use runway 17R in the nighttime hours and the noise will continue to be concentrated over Renfrew.
To read the full report please access: https://www.navcanada.ca/en/air-traffic/airspace-reviews/calgary-alternate-departure-heading-trial.aspx.
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