This is why you may have spotted a low-flying military plane over Derbyshire this week

The Ministry of Defence has moved to reassure residents following reports of low-flying military aircraft in the skies over Derbyshire earlier this week.
Residents saw the low-flying aircraft in the skies between Bakewell and the Chatsworth estateResidents saw the low-flying aircraft in the skies between Bakewell and the Chatsworth estate
Residents saw the low-flying aircraft in the skies between Bakewell and the Chatsworth estate

Residents reported seeing the aircraft flying low in the skies between Bakewell and Chatsworth House, in the Peak District, at around 11:30am on Monday, April 26.

Now, the Ministry of Defence (MOD) has confirmed that it did have a few aircraft in the Derbyshire region that day.

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These included a Puma helicopter from RAF Benson in Oxfordshire; Chinook helicopters from RAF Odiham in Hampshire, and a C130 Hercules from RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire.

The MOD said the Puma and Hercules were both pre-authorised for low-level flying in the skies over the county, something which is routine and is essential for the training of aircrew.

“If this was unusual activity for your region it’s because we go to great lengths to avoid low flying over one particular area too much wherever possible,” the MOD added.

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