Ministry of Defense takes steps to limit nuisance around Gilze-Rijen Air Base (Video)

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Flight distribution is more reasonable Next to each other Training to standard Unique moments Previous measures Video: Gilzer-Rijan Air Base Statement of Intent

News | August 31, 2024 | 1:00 p.m.

The Ministry of Defense, the municipality and local residents have agreed in a declaration of intent. This was signed today. The Ministry of Defense aims to limit the number of aircraft activities around the Gilzer-Riyen air base. In addition, measures will be taken to reduce nuisance to local residents.

A Chinook transport helicopter was followed by an Apache attack helicopter. Both types of aircraft are based at Gilzer-Rijan Air Base.

Legal standards for aircraft movements, noise and environmental quality around the Gilze-River Air Force Base must be formalized by 2030. This is done through a so-called airport decision.

Thanks to good cooperation with the local population and local authorities, defense is at the forefront. The armed forces are already working to prevent air traffic growth and limit nuisances. For example, the most densely built-up areas around Hulten, Molenschot, Gilze and Rijen are being spared more due to the adjustment of flight routes.

Puma transport helicopter. — Gilzer-Riyen Air Base is also home to the Cougar transport helicopters.

Flight distribution is more reasonable

Flights are also better spread across different routes.

In addition, a more centrally located hill (slope) was built at the air base for practicing helicopter landings. This reduced noise pollution for local residents. The parties involved will evaluate the effectiveness of these measures in 2028.

NH90 helicopter. — NH90 helicopters. These helicopters are part of the Defence Helicopter Command but are based at the Dekoi Marine Air Station and operate primarily on naval vessels.

Next to each other

Gilze en Rijen Mayor Derk Alssema is pleased with the agreement. “We were once at odds with each other, now we are truly together. Local residents, the Ministry of Defense and the municipality continue to discuss the progress of the Ministry of Defense’s efforts to reduce aircraft movements and nuisance.”

Chinook helicopters and soldiers from the Air Mobile Brigade. — File photo of soldiers from the 11th Aviation Brigade being picked up by a Chinook helicopter after combat training.

Training to standard

Pier Schipmölder, commander of the Defence Helicopter Command (DHC), is satisfied with the content of the agreement.
“We took measures on the premise that the training for all our missions still meets the standards of our current missions. This premise has been fully recognized by local residents.”

Cougar and Chinook. — FILE PHOTO: A Cougar and a Chinook helicopter train with soldiers from the 11th Aviation Brigade.

Unique moments

René Pierenboom, the independent chairperson of the consultation, also expressed satisfaction. “The Ministry of Defense’s mission is becoming more important and larger, and at the same time, local residents are placing higher demands on the quality of their living environment,” he said. “That’s why I’m proud that the city government, local residents and the Ministry of Defense have found a balance to reduce noise pollution.”
The biggest advantage is that the Ministry of Defence has already taken steps to limit nuisance. We are not waiting for a decision on a new airport. This saves us a lot of time. This is positive for all local residents.”

Two cougars — Two Cougars had just taken off from Gilzer-Riyen Air Force Base.

Previous measures

In recent years, the Ministry of Defense has taken various measures to limit nuisance around the Gilzer-Rijan Air Base. For example, there is a noise monitoring network around the site. The GGD has also conducted research on noise perception and sleep disturbances.
Since then, the number of complaints has decreased. Constructive discussions have also taken place with local residents and the city government. This has given all parties confidence that the statement of intent is a good basis for a decision at the airport that enjoys broad support.