Loud training flights frustrate residents

The flights, which have recently started in Southend Airport’s airspace, have angered residents in Hockley as it means they are now hearing a lot of noise in the evening.

Several residents have made complaints to the Hockley Residents Association and to the MP for Rayleigh and Wickford, Mark Francois, about the problems.

One frustrated resident, who asked to remain anonymous, said: “We see low flying aircraft over the area all the time at the moment.

“We have been told they are commercial flights from Southend Airport and the Stapleford Flying Club.

“There is nothing we can do to mask the noise and it is having an affect on everybody.”

Mark Francois MP told the Echo he was aware of the issue.

He said: “I have so far been contacted by two members of my constituents on this matter to date.

“I have followed up by writing to the management at Southend Airport, to explain my constituents’ concerns.

“Southend Airport is a growing commercial success, but we must also be mindful of the potential effect on local residents of growing air traffic.”

Southend Airport bosses informed the public there have been training flights on May 11, 22 and they are planned for this Saturday and Sunday too.

A spokesman for Southend Airport said: “We always advise people well in advance that these training flights are happening through our social media channels, and also on the banner of our website.”

Colin Dobney, the head of training at Stapleford Flight Centre, which runs the club, said the organisation is using the airspace for landing training.

He said: “We do not often use the area in Hockley so I do not understand why our name has been mentioned.

“The advised height for an aircraft is 1,500 feet, which appears quite low but it is what has been said by the airport when landing.

“The fact is we are using airspace in this area for training purposes, not willy-nilly for club members, we have to do what we are told.”