Paice Visits RAF Mildenhall To Discuss Ely Overflights

Minimum altitude of aircraft increased following MP’s intervention

South East Cambridgeshire MP Jim Paice recently visited RAF Mildenhall to discuss with senior military staff the issue of military flights over Ely.

Following his trip to the base, which included a visit to the flight control tower and aircraft simulator, Mr Paice said:

“It is abundantly clear from having seen the flight path from the ground and in simulation that aircraft approaching Runway 11 at RAF Mildenhall should be flying approximately one mile south of Ely Cathedral at a minimum height of 2,600 feet. This minimum altitude was increased from 2,000 feet as a result of my representations and will hopefully reduce the level of noise experienced by residents in the city.

“Although it is not easy to tell whether an aircraft is flying directly overhead, it is quite clear that no planes bound for RAF Mildenhall should be flying over the cathedral or the city centre.

“It is essential that anyone who thinks these rules are being broken notes down the date and time when this occurred.”