This might be a bit of a daft suggestion, but worth putting out there.

For anyone bothered by the flights over the area, and wishing to make a note of any particular times / flights etc. May I suggest an app for tablet or smartphone, or the equivalent website http://www.flightradar24.com (app available from app stores)

This will give you close to live tracking of exactly where the plane is passing over, its tail number, and flight number. As well as altitude, speed etc.

A lot more helpful than relying on what information you are given after the event has occurred.
See example below.

Personally, while I notice a lot coming over, I am usually unbothered by it. Not saying that everyone should be the same.

   

Re holding patterns, I believe it depends on a number of factors where said stacks are formed, but today for example, LHR's one is clear.

   
   

This post was last modified: 19-06-2015 03:58 PM by Snazy.