Fewer and fewer noise complaints from Eurofighter flights in Laage!

Fewer and fewer noise complaints from Eurofighter flights in Laage!

Last week, complaints about noise pollution from military flights at Laage Air Base in the Rostock district were once again making the rounds. This time, however, the number of entries was significantly lower. So far this year only four complaints have been received about the noise from Eurofighter training flights, so there is a positive trend compared to previous years Northern Courier reported.

In 2024 there were a total of 67 complaints, and the year before that residents reported 76 cases. Interestingly, there are more expressions of gratitude from citizens at Tactical Air Force Squadron 73 “Steinhoff” than complaints. A certain mayor even reported an increased understanding of the necessary training flights, especially given the tense security situation in Europe.

Night flights and noise action plans

But it's not just the residents around Rostock who are affected. Other regions of Austria and Bavaria also have to contend with aircraft noise, especially during the night. In Neuburg an der Donau, for example, the Eurofighters take off for night flights from 7 p.m. Although residents have been used to aircraft noise for years, they find the nighttime operations particularly stressful. Hildegard Weis, a local resident, said she just can't get used to the noise, even though she has high regard for the work of Tactical Air Force Squadron 74 as it supports around 1,100 jobs in the region.

In contrast, Colonel Gordon Schnitger, commodore of the squadron, reported that night flights were essential for pilot training. According to him, such missions prepare pilots for challenges such as limited visibility. There were around 50 complaints in Neuburg last year, while a citizens' hotline was set up to better monitor residents' concerns. This can be reached at 0800/862 07 30.

Future training plans and noise reduction

Back in Rostock: All German Eurofighter pilots are trained in Tactical Air Force Squadron 73. In order to increase the number of training courses, the Air Force is planning to significantly double the annual pilot training from currently around 16. Despite this increased training intensity, an increase in flight operations is not necessarily to be expected. Ultimately, flight instructors also have less need for their own practice flights, while a large part of fighter pilot training is already carried out in the simulator. Last year, for example, the squadron carried out 3,361 flights, supplemented by around 2,500 flights from Air Force Squadron 71 “Richthofen”.

Special measures are already in place to further minimize noise pollution for residents. There will be no supersonic flights over Rostock and night flights between April and September will be significantly reduced. Even the Eurofighter pilots show social responsibility and show consideration for funerals in the surrounding communities by choosing alternative approach routes when they are informed about them. These measures show that the Air Force is striving to find a balance between necessary training and local residents' interests.

The debate over aircraft noise is certainly not over, but it is encouraging to see that both the Air Force and local residents are committed to finding a solution that is acceptable to all sides.