A PILOT has vehemently defended the actions of other aviators using Elstree Aerodrome, after Radlett residents hurled criticism at a new trial flight path.

The aerodrome in Hog Lane introduced a trial flight path in June to try to quash residents' complaints about aircraft flying too close to their homes in the village.

However, some residents in Radlett have said they are still dissatisfied with the result, which has led to one pilot speaking out against their complaints.

Mr Rodney Saunders, of Well End, Shenley, has been a certified pilot since 1974, after completing his training with the London School of Flying.

He said: 'There are two ends to the runway used for take off, depending on which way the wind is blowing.

'If the wind is blowing in from the west, then pilots use the 280 runway, which takes them towards Watford, and if it is blowing from the east, then pilots use the 080 runway, which heads out towards Haberdashers' Aske's School's playing fields.

'Sometimes, there is a slight crosswind and pilots, whether they are flying solo or training with an instructor, sometimes drift over into an area outside of the circuit.

'This cannot be helped. Pilots do not purposely set out to upset people. Just like there is a law on the roads, there is a law in the air.

'There are strict rules each pilot has to adhere to within the Civil Aviation Standard, and everyone who uses the aerodrome does so in a professional manner.

'People have all sorts of noise pollution around them, from trains running at the back of their houses, to speeding cars and 12-wheel lorries on the roads, yet no one complains about them - they just accept it.'

Elstree Aerodrome was opened in 1930.

Mr Saunders believes if people move into an area where there is an aerodrome, they should expect to hear planes flying over them.

He said: 'I think it is nonsense some people are making such a fuss. Elstree Aerodrome has been here long before many of these people were born, and it is inevitable there will be some noise if you live next door to an air field.

'Leavesden Aerodrome was closed about five years ago, which was a great shame. It was a superb aerodrome before it was developed and built on. Hatfield Airport used to have business jets flying in, which was also closed.'

He added: 'People can fly in from abroad and land at Elstree and be in London in half an hour. I have flown to ten countries on the continent from Elstree, and that is a wonderful privilege that shouldn't be knocked.

'I would just like to stress, out of 44,000 residents in the borough of Hertsmere, it is only a few households which have complained.'