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July 22, 2010
Aircraft Activity at RAF Waddington
I am writing to inform you that on 27th July and 4th August as part of a training exercise and demonstration, 2 RAF Tornado aircraft will be conducting a low level exercise over RAF Waddington. As part of the training, pyrotechnics will be used on RAF Waddington airfield. Accordingly, I would be grateful if you could pass this information to your community.
The exercise will take place between 1130 and 1200 on 27 July and 1000 and 1030 on 4 August.
This is not a routine activity for RAF Waddington which is why I have decided to inform you in advance.
This is a training exercise to practice and demonstrate tactics developed and used in Afghanistan to counter the Taliban's ability to plant roadside bombs often referred to as Improvised Explosive Devices (IED).
Members of the public are invited to view the approach for free at the purpose-built viewing area on the A15 opposite the Vulcan aircraft.
Current operations in Afghanistan show there is a continuing requirement for UK Armed Forces to operate successfully in the low-level environment. To ensure UK Forces are capable of meeting the operational task, low flying training must be conducted in the UK before deployment to operational theatres.
Military low flying training is subject to stringent regulations. All low flying must be authorised in advance by a suitably qualified officer and low flying activity booked with the appropriate co-ordinating authority. Measures are taken to provide a balance between military training requirements and the need to avoid excessive disturbance on the ground.
The MOD takes its responsibilities to the general public very seriously indeed. RAF Waddington understands that this kind of activity has an effect on the community at large and we endeavour to keep the amount conducted to the minimum necessary to achieve and maintain operational effectiveness.
Daz Scales
Flt Lt
Media and Communications Officer (MCO)
RAF Waddington
01522 726804
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