Leonard T. Koonce 
RESTRICTING military planes flying over schools for two months to avoid disruption to exams would have a ‘significant impact’ on national security training, according to the Ministry of Defense (MoD).
The MOD was reacting after a Gwynedd principal and politician called for a reduction in RAF planes on exercise while students sit their GCSEs.
Dwyfor Meirionnydd MP Liz Saville Roberts had addressed the issue after Ysgol Botwnnog leader Dylan Minnice, along with teachers and students, raised concerns about the noise disturbance.
Ms Saville Roberts had asked the MOD if it was possible to reduce the number of low-flying Texan planes near the school on the Llŷn Peninsula near Abersoch.
Mr Minnice had requested that planes avoid drills around the school for a period of around four hours a day over a four-week period, while Year 10 and Year 11 pupils took their final GCSE exams, which could “have an impact on their future”.
“But we understand the importance of RAF exercises, especially with the current situation in Europe,” he said.
Ms Saville Roberts had urged the Ministry of Defense to be “mindful” of the impact of these operations on local communities and to “adopt measures to mitigate disruption where possible”.
Responding to their pleas, the Department of Defense told the Local Democracy Reporting Service that the “essential skills” currently used every day to protect NATO airspace in the Ukraine crisis could only be maintained through training and practice in a “realistic environment”.
A spokesperson said: ‘We are keenly aware of the importance of exams for students across the country.
“Unfortunately, restricting military aircraft activity for two months near schools across the UK would have a significant impact on the ability of defense to train those we rely on for our national security.
“Training is strictly limited to what is absolutely essential for aircrew to achieve and maintain operational effectiveness.”
