AS a resident of Newton on Ouse, I was most surprised to see that my parish council had "registered a strong opposition" to the revised flight plan for RAF pilot training (July 22).

When I moved to the village four years ago, I was aware of the airbase at Linton and knew that aircraft noise was going to be part of daily life.

I find it unbelievable that both parish councils have complained. Linton has been an active base since the Second World War; most people living in the villages would be well aware of this, so why complain now?

Members of the parish councils need to understand that the pilots being trained are one day going to put their lives on the line defending this country. If they need reminding of this, I suggest a visit to R.A.F Linton's remembrance room. It shows and lists details of many brave young men, English, Canadian and others, who flew from the base in the war never to return.

Andy Walters,

Newton Park,

Newton on Ouse, York.

Updated: 11:16 Thursday, July 25, 2002