Residents concerned over low-flying aircraft

The low altitude at which aircraft fly to and from the Denneoord Aerial Firebase during firefighting operations has been a cause for concern among some residents of Ward 18 for some time now.

- Alida de Beer

Certain areas, such as Genevafontein and Denvar Park, lie along the flight path of the aeroplanes used in the operations. According to Lynne Thompson, a resident of the Genevafontein Retirement Village, they sometimes fly over her house so low that "I can look the pilot in the eye!" She also expressed concern over training circuits done at low altitudes.

She was among a small group of residents who met with Everett Montague, spotter pilot and airbase manager, on Monday 1 Desember, when their fears were discussed.