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:

• The exact time of the occurrence, if known.
• The extent and nature of the damage.
• If you are the property owner, your name, address and telephone number.
• If you are not the property owner, the owners name, address and telephone number.
• 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 the Airport Operations Manager:

Farnborough Airport Ltd
Farnborough Airport
Farnborough
Hampshire
GU14 6XA

Telephone: 01252 379002