Overview
Most aviation research of interest tothe Department is carried out by other organisations, often ininternational fora. There are few substantial aviation researchprojects commissioned exclusively by DfT. The Department has,however, commissioned a small number of research projects addressingissues of aircraft noise, health, emissions and climate change.
The principal objectives are as follows:
- To inform on Ministerial decisions;
- To guide the execution of policy;
- To address issues on which Ministers may need to take decisions in the future;
- To monitor the achievement of policy goals; and
- To improve information disseminated by the Government.
Aircraft Exhaust Emissions -This sub-programme is identifying, characterising and assessing theimpact of aircraft emissions on global climate change and on localair quality. Pollutants from aircraft include CO2, NOx,particulates and water vapour in the form of contrails. It isconcerned with related issues such as how the emissions are formedand how to measure them. And with the development and assessment ofproposed measures to counter their adverse environmental impact.
Aircraft noise emissions - Thissub-programme is concerned with undertaking and improvingunderstanding of the perception of aircraft noise and with its impacton peoples lives eg sleep disturbance. It is also concerned with themethodology and measurement issues for assessing aircraft noise. Andwith assessing the effectiveness of existing or proposed measures tocounter the impact of aircraft noise.
Carbon and Climate Change - Thissubprogramme is concerned with identifying, characterising andassessing the carbon and climate change impacts from aviation. Forexample, specific work on fuel efficiency, emissions trading, globalemissions of CO2 and NOx, uncertainties associated with contrail andcirrus clouds from aviation and technical advice to support DfT andtechnical expertise to support working groups.
Health - Research on issuesaffecting passenger health during flight, including DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis).
Funding
Programme budget 2008-2009: £2 million (= €2.3 million)