Section 1, Chapter 5 - Noise Abatement & Continuous Descent Approaches

Question 1

What are the procedures for Noise Abatement and Continuous Descent Approaches (CDAs) for arrivals, and what is their purpose?

Answer 1

The procedures and purpose of Noise Abatement and Continuous Descent Approaches (CDAs) for arrivals are:

Purpose:

• Designed to minimize noise disturbance and fuel consumption during the approach phase of flight.
• Provides pilots with ATC assistance to achieve continuous descent during intermediate and final approach.

Procedure:

• The CDA procedure is employed for all approaches by IFR aircraft between 2200 and 0700 (local), unless there are valid reasons otherwise.
• To facilitate CDAs, ATC should:
• Pass accurate distance from touchdown information.
• Issue descent instructions in good time for pilot calculation of a continuous descent profile.
• Apply speed control compatible with a continuous descent approach as outlined in AIP EGAA AD 2.21 NOISE ABATEMENT PROCEDURES.
• Use the phraseology “Descend when ready” where appropriate.

Question 2

What is the noise abatement procedure for departures, and what specific phraseology should ATC use?

Answer 2

The noise abatement procedure for departures includes the following:

ATC Instructions:

• When issuing a radar heading or own navigation to a departure, ADC should prefix the instruction with:
• “After noise abatement, turn (heading/point).”

Caution for Departure Separation:

• ATCOs should exercise caution when using the 1-minute departure separation interval.

Question 3

What should be done with noise complaints related to aircraft operations?

Answer 3

All noise complaints should be referred to BIAL (Belfast International Airport).