Aerodrome Vortex Strategy
Farnborough Airport’s Vortex Strategy is designed to
protect those residents who sustain roof damage by
aircraft vortices.
Vortices are circulating currents of air caused by moving
aircraft. Whilst most vortices are broken up by the natural
flow of air before they reach the ground, sometimes they do
reach roof level causing movement or slippage of tiles.
The likelihood and scope of vortex damage is extremely low
and localised, usually only occurring during benign, summer
conditions and by the larger size of aircraft that
operate at Farnborough.
In contrast, wind damage tends to be more common
and catastrophic, affecting many buildings within the
same area over a period ranging from minutes to
hours. We have personnel available who can
determine whether or not particular roof damage has
resulted from an aircraft vortex.
The area within which vortex damage is most likely
to occur is close to the runway centreline, out to a
distance of about 1km from the airport boundary.
Farnborough Airport is not liable for vortex damage. The liability lies with the operator of
the aircraft concerned and this is governed by Section 76 (2) of the 1982 Civil Aviation
Act.
Farnborough Airport has introduced a vortex repair assistance scheme as part of its
commitment to the local community.
If you think your property has experienced vortex damage, contact the Airport
immediately. Please do not attempt to undertake repairs prior to our inspection.
It would be very helpful to record and provide the following information:-
1. The exact time of the occurrence, if known.
2. The extent and nature of the damage.
3. If you are the property owner, your name, address and telephone number.
4. If you are not the property owner, the owners name, address and telephone number.
5. Details of the aircraft concerned. If you were not able to identify the aircraft, please
state why you think vortex damage was responsible for the incident.
Once we are aware of the problem, we will arrange for someone to visit as soon as
possible and work with the property owner to assist in repairing the property.
For further details contact:
TAG Farnborough Airport
Farnborough Airport
Farnborough
Hants
GU14 6XA
Telephone 01252 379002 and ask for the Airport Operations Manager
ENVIRONMENT PAGES
FARNBOROUGH AERODROME CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE
An independent Consultative Committee established by TAG Farnborough in accordance with a
Section 106 agreement of the Town and Country Planning Act