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Chapter 2 aircraft are those which do not comply with noise limits laid down in a document published by the International Convention of Airport Operators in 1977. 

Chapter 3 aircraft are those which meet the standards laid down by this convention.

Most of the commercial planes currently operating out of Manston are Chapter 2 aircraft. 

At least 9 of the aircraft currently using the airfield were built in the 1960's.

It is possible to modify the engines on Chapter 2 aircraft by fitting hush-kits so that they comply with the Chapter 3 standards. 

Modern jets which have been built to the standards laid down in Chapter 3 do not require hush-kitting.

Whilst hush-kitting leads to a marginal reduction in noise it increases the emission of pollutants from these aircraft. 

For this reason hush-kitting is no longer considered an acceptable solution to the problem of noisy aircraft. 

The widely accepted wisdom is that old aircraft which do not comply with Chapter 3 standards should be replaced.

The European Union have been prevented from enacting a ban on hush-kitting by the Americans, who are the largest manufacturers of hush-kits.

It is widely and mistakenly reported that the European Union will be banning all Chapter 2 aircraft from April 2002. 

However, many aircraft will be exempted from this legislation. Four aircraft which have already been exempted are currently operating out of Manston. 

Further aircraft may be added to this list as we approach the 2002 deadline.

Prior to the local elections Wiggins promised to ban the use of the noisy Russian planes at Manston as soon as they were in control. 

This promise was passed on to the residents of Ramsgate by the former leader of Thanet District Council, Councillor Coppock. 

This promise has not been honoured. 

What faith can we have that any future agreements will be honoured ?

The Manston Airport Group are fighting to ensure that the development of Manston is environmentally compatible with the communities living around the airfield. 

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