The following letter was sent to Gov. Jack Markell with a copy submitted to the Cape Gazette for publication.
I was having a quiet morning sorting through some post holiday paperwork this morning when the quiet was disrupted by the sound of several low flying military aircraft.
From some research I've done on this, I understand that these aircraft are on their way to a base in Warren Grove, N.J. I am told that they are doing "overland flight qualification training" on an air route designated VTR 1709 by the FAA. I understand that these planes come from various military commands outside Delaware, fly over Indian River Bay and then turn north and fly over eastern SussexCounty at about 1,500 feet. These planes come at random times throughout the day and the noise can be deafening.
I would appreciate it if you could have someone look into this situation. The noise matter aside, I think we may have a safety issue. Military planes are flying at high speed through airspace used by many private light aircraft. They are also flying low over areas that are now densely populated. An accident could be catastrophic.
At a minimum, could you make sure the military planes are complying with all noise, altitude and speed restrictions. In the long run could you look into finding them another place to do their overland flight training?
Eric Korpon
Rehoboth Beach