The problem for local residents is not so much the helicopter itself, since it is used and necessary for people’s survival. But it is above all the noise pollution resulting from his departure and his arrival that irritates.
“Cups and plates shake and rattle with each pass. People who work at night have their peace of mind disturbed, and children and animals are scared,” Marnix, a resident of Bruges, told Gazet van Antwerpen. “Last week, my parrot Flip, which I have had since the age of 10, even had a panic attack and died! »
Two things explain the growing nuisances. The new helicopter which was put into service at the beginning of the year and the removal of high voltage lines around the same time. “Because since then pilots have been flying lower. »
So many are those who share the pain of local residents, there are also many who do not understand that we are attacking a helicopter that saves lives. To which Marnix replies: “Let’s be clear: the helicopter saves lives and no one wants to take it out of the air. But if the same altitudes as before were respected again, it would make a big difference for the neighborhood. “.
For his part, the mayor of Bruges Dirk De Fauw (CD&V) reacts: “What is true is that the new helicopter makes more flights. Indeed, the new model is much more practical to use and lends itself better to the transport of patients. But they don’t fly any lower.”