Altcar Training Camp hosting Military Aviation Exercises until 14th July with Chinooks and Merlin’s

Local residents may have noticed/heard helicopter activity into and out of Altcar Training Camp over the last couple of days.

You may have noticed the low flying helicopters over the last couple of days flying over Hightown and Formby from the Altcar training camp. They are in fact Royal Navy helicopters involved in search and rescue exercises.

A special Notification of Helicopter Operations at Altcar Training Camp was given to the residents of Hightown and Formby as follows:

There will be light to medium support Helicopters Operating in and around Altcar Training camp and the beach area from the period of 9th to 14th July 2023. It is anticipated that the noise levels will increase throughout various times within the period stated and varying times throughout each day.

Night and early morning activity is to be expected, especially between 9th to 14th July 2023. Any Inconvenience is regretted.

Colonel Mark Underhill OBE said: “Altcar Training Camp will host a Military Aviation Exercise 9th to 14th July 2023. Up to eight helicopters, including Merlin Mk4/Mk2, Chinook CH47 and Wildcat HMA will be operating daily between approx 10.00am to 2.00am over Formby and Hightown.”

“In order to meet strict training objectives, the aircrew are required to fly day and night in low level formation however, flight times and routing has been carefully planned to minimise disruption to the local area and it’s residences throughout the period as best possible. The continued support and assistance from the community is very much appreciated in facilitating this essential Defence Task.”