Fewer and fewer noise problems due to Eurofighter flights in Laage!

Fewer and fewer noise problems due to Eurofighter flights in Laage!

Güstrow, Deutschland - Last week, the complaints about noise pollution caused by military flights to the Laage air base in the Rostock district once again rounded off. This time, however, the number of inputs was significantly lower. So far, only four complaints about the noise of Eurofighter exercise flights have been received this year, so that a positive trend emerges compared to previous years, such as Nordkurier reported.

in 2024 there were a total of 67 complaints, and the year before, the residents reported 76 cases. Interestingly, there are more expressions of thanks from citizens than complaints at the tactical air force squadron 73 "Steinhoff". A certain mayor even reported a increased understanding of the necessary exercise flights, especially considering the tense security situation in Europe.

night flights and noise action plans

But not only the residents around Rostock are affected. Other regions of Austria and Bavaria are also struggling with aircraft noise, especially during the night. In Neuburg an der Donau, for example, the Eurofighter start night flights from 7 p.m. Although the residents have been used to aircraft noise for years, they find the nightly missions particularly stressful. Hildegard Weis, a local resident, expressed that she simply cannot get used to the noise, even if she has high appreciation to the work of the tactical air force squadron, as it secures around 1,100 jobs in the region.

future training plans and noise reduction

Back in Rostock: In the tactical air force squadron 73, all German Eurofighter pilots are trained. In order to increase the training figures, the Air Force plans a significant doubling of the annual pilot training of around 16. Despite this increased training intensity, an increase in flight operations is not necessarily to be expected. After all, the flight instructors also have less need for their own practice flights, while a large part of the combat pilot training is already handled in the simulator. Last year, for example, the squadron carried out 3,361 flights, supplemented by around 2,500 flights of the air force squadron 71 "Richthofen".

In order to continue to minimize the noise pollution for residents, there are already special measures. So no overflow flights are carried out via Rostock and night flights between April and September are significantly reduced. Even the Eurofighter pilots show a social responsibility and take care of burials in the surrounding communities by choosing alternative approach routes when they are informed. These measures show that the Air Force is trying to find a balance between the necessary training and residents' interests.

The debate about aircraft noise is certainly not yet over, but it is encouraging to see that both the Air Force and the residents strive to find a solution that is acceptable for all sides.