Circuit Patterns & Noise Abatement
Circuits
Circuits for runways 10/28 and 06/24 remain as they were before the runway improvement project started, with separate fixed wing and rotary circuit patterns. Please revisit the circuit diagrams for details.
For helicopter information, click here to view the circuit diagram.
For fixed wing information, click here to view the circuit diagram.
Please note runway 14L/32R and the corresponding circuits have been permanently withdrawn from use. This change will be included in the next AIP Amendment.
Fixed Wing
Fixed wing circuits should be flown at 1200ft QFE. Rotary circuits should be flown at 900ft QFE. Fixed wing should make an overhead join at 2000ft QFE.
Noise preferential routes
Strict adherence to the NPR is necessary to avoid overflying highly noise sensitive areas in the locality. Please refer to the procedures below to familiarise yourself with the noise routings.
Runway 24 – Right Hand Circuit
Take off: Turn right as soon as practicable and safe after take off and establish a westerly track between the built-up areas of Summersdale and Lavant. Maintain track until west of built-up areas. Ensure circuit height is achieved before turning further north/northwest and that crosswind and downwind track is west/northwest of Lavant village. No practice engine failures are permitted on runway 24 until after the A286 Midhurst road. Avoid overflight of Summersdale, Lavant village, and Lavant House Stables riding school.
Landing: No restrictions.
Runway 10 – Left Hand Circuit
Take-off: At the upwind end of the runway, turn left slightly to avoid overflying Westerton.
Landing: No restrictions.
Runway 28 – Right Hand Circuit
Take-off: At the upwind end of the runway, turn left slightly to fly through the gap between Summersdale and Lavant, towards the solar farm. If remaining in the circuit, do not turn cross-wind until beyond the solar farm. Route west and north of Lavant.
Landing: No restrictions.
Caution should be exercised by fixed-wing pilots departing off runway 14, not to turn crosswind too early as it will conflict with the helicopter circuit.
Helicopters
Rotary circuit height is 900ft QFE. Avoid routing over Chichester, Westerton, Westhampnett or Summersdale.
Please note all aircraft must avoid flying over Pagham Harbour Nature Reserve below 500 feet.