Air base neighbours warned to expect increase in night flying

Tornado and Typhoon aircraft to conduct night flying training this month.
Tornado and Typhoon aircraft to conduct night flying training this month.

RESIDENTS AROUND MORAY’S RAF base are being warned to expect increased night flying from all aircraft at RAF Lossiemouth throughout this month.

While after-dark flying at the Moray base is restricted under all bar essential circumstances, both the Typhoon and Tornado crews at the base must carrying out training to ensure that they are fully prepared for the longer hours of dark experienced throughout the winter months.

Such training sorties carried out this month will, as far as possible, be carried out over the Moray Firth to avoid disturbance to residents on the ground – however, some flying will still be required over land.

Lossiemouth’s Station Commander, Group Captain Paul Godfrey, explained: “We must prepare our air crews for possible operational activity in any environment and therefore they must carry out rigorous training and continuous practice.

“Realistic training at night is essential to ensure our crews maintain the necessary skills and we do all that we can to minimise disruption to our local community.”

The sorties will be carried out at various times of the evening and night throughout the month, with aircraft returns to RAF Lossiemouth expected to be no later than 1130pm.

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