Consultation: Wycombe Air Park - relocation of glider take-off area

Wycombe Air Park (also known as Booker Airfield) is located on Clay Lane, Booker, just south-west of the M40. It provides take-off and landing facilities for small ‘fixed wing’ aircraft, gliders and helicopters.

The Air Park has operated as a general aviation aerodrome since 1965. It provides opportunities for both commercial and recreational flying, plus flight training and aircraft rental. There is a café that is open to all. The Air Park currently has three runways – (06/24 - grass, 06/24 - asphalt and 35 - grass).

Fixed wing aircraft and helicopters use the runways whilst gilders operate predominately to the south of the Air Park.

Map of existing airfield layout

The Wycombe Local Plan has allocated land at the Air Park for commercial development. This necessitates the shortening of grass runway 35 for safety reasons. A new asphalt runway is proposed adjacent to the existing 06/24 asphalt runway.

The new runway will mainly be used by the gliders that would have been using the glider operations area to the south. Fixed wing aircraft and helicopters will continue to take off and land as at present.

The changes to the runways will not lead to an increase in aircraft using the Air Park. These changes are designed to accommodate the commercial development and allow the Air Park to operate safely and efficiently.

Map of proposed airfield layout

The Air Park proposes to change the flight patterns of fixed wing aircraft and gliders. This will change the areas that regularly see aircraft above.

The new flight patterns are designed to minimise the number of houses that are flown over by aircraft using the Air Park. When in use Runway 35 flight patterns will remain the same.

Map of existing aircraft circuit patterns

Map of proposed aircraft circuit patterns

The existing Take-off Noise Abatement Zone above Lane End and Frieth will be unaffected (i.e. it will remain a Noise Abatement Zone that aircraft only fly above in exceptional circumstances).

The Air Park works with the community to minimise issues arising from aircraft noise. A Noise Management and Action Plan was reviewed and updated in 2018. The Joint Consultative Committee (funded by the Air Park) meets regularly and provides a forum to discuss any issues that arise. The Air Park has established Take-off Noise Abatement Zones and specific noise routes to take noise away from the majority of properties.

There is an established procedure for making complaints about aircraft noise on the Wycombe Air Park website. The Air Park always follows up complaints with pilots that do not comply with noise procedures.