I HAVE read with interest the letters from some Alne residents expressing their displeasure at the possible termination of the trial of new flight patterns flown from RAF Linton-on-Ouse. Like them, I support the RAF.
Most correspondents have stated a desire for a "fair distribution of noise around the airfield". As a lifelong resident of Linton-on-Ouse or Newton-on-Ouse, I am well acquainted with neighbouring villages and therefore I share their quest for justice.
Moreover, all the relevant factors must be considered. The noise associated with military pursuits at No 1 Flying Training School is not limited to airborne traffic.
Hundreds of road journeys, many by lorries, are made to and from the base each day.
All those vehicles travel through the centre of this village, inhabited by civilians of whom only a small minority work on the base. What percentage of this traffic passes through any one neighbouring village?
Furthermore, due to its geographical proximity to the airfield allied to the prevailing wind, Linton-on-Ouse bears the brunt of the noise (and fumes) from the running up of aircraft engines and activities at the firing range, all in addition to noise from flying aircraft.
A particularly unwelcome feature of one revised circuit was that the local primary school was overflown at low level on the landing approach to one runway used only infrequently prior to the trial.
The original flying patterns were based on the sound premise of causing least disturbance to most people.
Ending the trial would simply see "justice" restored.
Peter Watson,
Bellegarth,
Linton-on-Ouse,
York.
Updated: 11:14 Thursday, October 28, 2004
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