There is also the issue of planting trees which are not native to British West Oxfordshire and the resulting influence on the local eco-system.....
The problem of C-130 engine running was the
time at which it was often conducted. To many it seems that the standard Hercules servicing policy calls for engine runs - or that absurdly noisy auxiliary power unit - at totally unacceptable times of day/night. Of course some runs
are essential, but quite so many? Mind you, I'm told that Belfast engine runs were far, far worse. I heard one once at RAF Abingdon in 1973 during our UAS Summer Camp - it went on for most of the day!
The Atlas
should require far fewer engine ground runs as it is a 21st Century design with rather more on-board diagnostics. But currently I hear that the Atlas hangar is threatened by the potential impact upon the local Great Crested Newt population, a species protected by the UK Biodiversity Action Plan....
That might seem quite daft; sorry, but that's UK policy.
Unfortunately the early days of the C-130 relocation to Brize weren't handled particularly well by some. At one meeting with the locals, the Brize station representatives were politely asked why the C-130s weren't sticking to the Station Flying Order Book requirements. Some huffing and puffing and "I'm sure that's not correct" noises were forthcoming, until the well-primed village spokesman read out the exact reference specifying circuit height and 'village avoid' requirements which applied to all station-based aircraft (including the flying club), but which the C-130s weren't observing. 'Collapse of stout party', as the saying goes! But at least
that was soon sorted out.