Aircraft noise no better?

THE roar of jet engines above the skies of North Somerset villages should be no more following a crucial rule change.Planes must now fly much higher above villages such as Yatton, Wrington and Cleeve if they want to turn and land at Bristol or Cardiff international airports.Aircraft noise is one of the biggest issues in villages near Bristol airport and residents say they have noticed a steady increase in noise over the past 20-30 years.The airports have come up with a new set of rules for their 'controlled airspace', the area of sky where the airports control flight paths, and have now put them into force. Bristol international has assured parish councils the new changes will bring 'environmental benefits' to the area.Flight paths into the area have been made higher so the planes are further away from the ground. The new arrangements have also enhanced the safety of air traffic control at the airport. But since the changes came into force last week, some villagers are wondering whether they have made any difference.This is the first time airspace rules have changed since 1987 and it was carried out due to a five-fold increase in the number of aircraft movements since the 1980s.Yatton Parish Council chairman Faith Moulin said: "Since September 1 I have not noticed any difference whatsoever and it's terribly disappointing. We were led to believe it would have a significant impact and the noise has hardly changed at all."Aircraft noise is one of the biggest issues in our village, especially at night."An airport spokesman said: "The changes in airspace dimensions will incorporate an increase in altitude to take into account the increased performance of modern jet aircraft."This means that aircraft will have to fly at higher altitudes in certain areas in the vicinity of the airport, an additional benefit to local communities and the environment.