Thank you for your interesting Tour of Industry article regarding 443 Squadron.
You touch on the recurring topic of noise and accurately point to the fact that it will most likely increase when the squadron is re-equipped with heavier equipment.
This comes at a time when most communities have endorsed their own plans for urban densification. It would seem an appropriate time to review air traffic patterns as they pertain to the concept of a reasonable expectation for peace and quiet in, over and around our community.
443 Squadron is not the only operator at the airport and they obviously take the topic seriously. Viking, various flying clubs, etc., all contribute to the acoustic mix.
Judging by previous stated opinions it is easy to get tangled up in all manner of peripheral issues when approaching the topic as it may relate to the military, as there is a fair amount of pride and emotion associated with that, and rightly so.
As the town and airport grow, so too does the potential for noise-related problems. The level of annoyance will probably vary dependent upon which area of town we live in. Surely considerable progress could be made immediately to help mitigate much of the disturbances by having all aircraft fly more disciplined flight paths. There is ample and relatively open water space around the Peninsula, so it is not impossible to implement:
Most issues can be resolved if the will to do so exists.
V. Gillett, Sidney
