Environment

Wake Turbulence

Many of the new aircraft operating at London City Airport such as the Airbus A318 and Embraer 170/190 are equipped with winglets. These winglets improve aerodynamics and reduce the intensity of the wake vortices and reduce the likelihood of a wake turbulence impacts.

Wake Turbulence – Am I affected and what should I do?

What is Wake Turbulence?

Wake Turbulence is caused by spiralling movements of air from each wingtip on an aircraft. These movements are known as wake vortices and they trail behind the aircraft and descend as they rotate. Normally vortices will dissipate in the air, however on very rare occasions the vortices can strike roofs causing tiles to become displaced in the immediate vicinity of the airport.

Many of the new aircraft operating at London City Airport such as the Airbus A318 and Embraer 170/190 are equipped with winglets. These winglets improve aerodynamics and reduce the intensity of the wake vortices and reduce the likelihood of a wake turbulence impacts.
What if I suspect my property has been damaged by wake turbulence?

Wake turbulence damage is usually verified by its pattern of damage. Only traditional slate or tiled roofs can be damaged and this damage is usually in the centre of the roof. The tiles are usually lifted and rotated unlike damage usually caused by bad weather or winds.

If you suspect your property has been damaged call London City Airport immediately.

Within two days of your call, an independent surveyor accompanied by an experienced airport expert will visit to assess the damage.

If possible, make a note of the time and date that you believed the incident occurred as this will help to confirm whether the damage could have been caused by an aircraft. Do not try to remove or repair the damage until it has been assessed. If there is no evidence we will not be able to assess or consider your claim.

If you do need to make urgent repairs please try to take photographs of the damage to provide to the airport. If the damage is verified as being a result of wake turbulence caused by operations at London City Airport, arrangements will be made for repairs and in some instances, for the roof to be strengthened to stop any future incidents.

If you suspect your property has been damaged by wake turbulence please call 0207 646 0200.

For more information on wake turbulence, please read the LCY Wake Turbulence Study LCY Wake Turbulence Study, produced by independent consultants Halcrow.