In your Comment "Careful approach" (Flight International, 4-10 December, 2001), you look at the ongoing developments in operational procedures at European airports, in order to satisfy the need for environmentally friendly operations.
You mention the landing and take-off runway usage at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol and claim: "At Schiphol, the landing or take-off runway in use is determined not by the wind direction, but by which approach affects the fewest local people."
This is not correct. At Schiphol airport the availability of the landing and take-off runways is dependent on wind velocity and direction, as well as visibility and other weather criteria. This means that the available landing and take-off runways always satisfy the standard of safety, which is in line with Schiphol's policy that environmental or other issues can never affect safety. Runways are then chosen that meet with minimal environmental impact.
Schiphol considers it vital to maintain a clear and open communication towards its community, when it comes to information on safety, environment and operation.
EJH van den Dobbelsteen
Manager, safety, noise and environment, Amsterdam Airport Schiphol
Source: Flight International
