Sept 2022 – Noise Complaint at Knettishall

Given the risk of losing use of another flying site, this time due to our own activities, please note the email below sent by Vic to all members  on 6 September 2022:

‘Guys,

Whilst on holiday in Cornwall, I got a message from James regarding a noise complaint at Knettishall. James has, as always, acted fast to try and defuse the situation but we need to be more focussed on what we get up to. We cannot afford to lose a second site due to carelessness or lack of awareness as to what we are actually doing at the field!

We already have a procedure in place at Knettishall to cater for a northerly wind component but this has normally only applied on Sunday sessions. However, it is now clear that the Coney Weston villagers are becoming more actively concerned and thus we need to be seen to curtail any noise nuisance on any particular day. 

It is not our intention to prohibit large petrol or glow models at the site but equally, we need to curtail flights which require high-power applications with a relatively long duration, eg prop-hanging, knife-edge and the like. The noise from these types of manoeuvres can carry a long way and be very annoying to local residents. You may need to consider your choice of propeller or even a change of engine, unless you can improve the muffler efficiency. (Note that some of the larger EDF models can generate loud noise levels too!)

The Committee would appreciate your help in controlling the noise nuisance as we could lose the site completely if the villagers bring pressure to near on the landowners.

regards,

Vic’