IN response to your report 'Too low pilot now in the RAF' (April 11) the RAF is the right place for Mr Hodgkinson to continue his anti-social flying activity.
We in Ryedale suffer similar problems - and worse - from Tucano training aircraft from RAF Linton-on-Ouse, and low-flying jets from other bases, regularly breaking the law by flying low over our towns and villages.
Of course it's not easy to read a fast-moving plane's registration number as it roars and dives low over houses, farms and factories. In fact, it's impossible.
The civil aviation authority prosecuted the case against Mr Hodgkinson. Well done to them and the residents who reported the incident.
The civil aviation authority has no real powers other than the civil and commercial air-traffic. The RAF is more or less immune from the environmental laws governing civil aircraft noise, low-flying and other aerial misdemeanours.
Look through the various pieces of environmental legislation and in every case military aircraft are not included. It is left to the judge and jury of the Ministry of Defence to administer and control as it sees fit. This cannot be a fair scenario in which to govern the use and abuse of our air-space.
H O Griffiths,
Post Office Row,
Bulmer, York.
Updated: 11:39 Friday, April 18, 2003
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article