Sir, I am somewhat bemused by the recent claims and assumptions in this paper by a small number of Oxfordshire residents who appear to be annoyed by the sound of light aircraft flying.

The ‘single’ aircraft identified by some as doing aerobatics is undoubtedly one of the number of Grob Tutor aircraft used by either Air Experience Flight No 6 or the University of Oxford Air Squadron, which are based at RAF Benson.

These units provide flying experience for university students and air cadets whose squadrons are located in Oxfordshire and the surrounding counties.

Both these organisations are training units of the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve and, as such, are regulated by the military and not the Civil Aviation Authority. Hence, the suggestion of complaining to the latter about these aircraft will be pointless.

Perhaps now those residents from Long Wittenham, who claim in correspondence to this paper that their enjoyment of a G&T has been disturbed, will now be able to put things in perspective knowing these aircraft belong to organisations from which the vast majority of RAF pilots received their first training. Indeed, the Oxford University Air Squadron, which was formed in 1925, was an important source of pilots for the RAF during the Battle of Britain, many of whom of course never lived to enjoy a G&T in their garden or the opportunity to inform us that the correct garnish is a slice of lime and not lemon.

Mike Rose
Norries Drive, Wallingford