Gazette News
Wharfedale shocked by aircraft noise
1:27pm Thursday 2nd February 2012
Exercises by RAF fighter jets got people scratching their heads – and jumping in shock – across Wharfedale last week.
Several loud overhead booms or bangs took residents in Otley, Pool-in-Wharfedale and Menston by surprise on Thursday.
The incidents, one of which was described by Pool resident Bernard Mitchinson as “a noise as loud as an empty skip falling from the sky”, led to rumours that there might have been a plane crash, or even an earthquake.
The truth, however, turned out to be slightly less dramatic.
The RAF has confirmed in was in the final part of a three-day national exercise, involving military helicopters and fighter jets, to put Air Force and Royal Navy pilots through their security paces ahead of the London 2012 Olympic Games.
Defence Secretary Philip Hammond said: “People should be reassured by these exercises.
“Our military personnel are already trained to incredibly high standards but, with these special exercises, are honing their skills yet further to ensure a safe and secure Olympic Games for the UK this year.”
Wing Commander Paul Godfrey, who is in charge of operations at RAF Coningsby, said Typhoon fighter jets and Puma helicopters were part of the ten-strong aircraft unit that was being drilled in Yorkshire last week.
Others spooked by the jets last week included Otley town councillor Kevin Cooney, who got a fright while out playing golf, and riders and staff at Acrecliffe Equestrian Centre, between Otley and Menston.
Mr Mitchinson, describing the event on the website for community newsletter Pool E-News, said: “At 4pm a noise as loud as an empty skip falling from the sky sent Pool neighbours into the street.
“The only sound was that of a departing aircraft.”