The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has recommended BAA improves the way it communicates with communities next to Heathrow, to reduce hostility towards its runway trials.
The CAA said the air operator faced distrust from residents suspicious of its motives and suggested it could involve council experts in collecting and analysing data.
Heathrow ended its first four month test on February 29. It allowed the airport to use one runway simultaneously for arrivals and departures when planes face a 10 minute wait, or if more than 30 per cent of aircraft are running more than 30 minutes late.
Heathrow is due to start its second phase this summer.
Meanwhile, the Government has rejected an offer from Sir Richard Branson to invest £5bn expanding Virgin Atlantic operations if it dropped its opposition to Heathrow expansion.
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