CHINOOK helicopters will be flying low over north Wales during the course of the next month.

Three helicopters will be operating from Anglesey-based RAF Valley as of this week and up until November 16.

This is in order to conduct 'essential training' for crews during Exercise KUKRI DAWN and a few other serials.

Although most of the flying will be during Anglesey-based RAF Valley’s normal operating hours (9am to 5pm), there is expected to also be some night flying serials involved.

At times, the Chinook helicopters may be operating in pairs at low level and may also train in urban environments, both of which are key skills for the crews.

The RAF say 'every effort will be made to reduce any noise footprint'.

North Wales Police has also issued the following piece of advice regarding the Chinook training; "People riding and leading horses can certainly help themselves to be seen by the aircrews by wearing hi-visibility clothing and I know from speaking to the crews that they do try at all times to be vigilant, and they will gently adjust their bearing if they see riders in plenty of time."

Operational low flying is an essential skill and is practised by fixed wing aircraft between 100 feet and 250 feet; a more representative altitude at which pilots would fly in a combat scenario.

The final decision to use a Tactical Training Areas(TTA) is taken on the day itself as this kind of training can only take place when weather conditions allow.

Late spring and summer are the busiest times for low flying as squadrons make full use of good weather to carry out their training.

A statement from RAF Valley read: "As many of our followers will know, RAF Valley first made its name as a night fighter base, as part of Fighter Command's 9 Group protecting Wales, the North West and Northern Ireland from Nazi bombers. The ability to fly and fight at night is no less important a skill for our pilots today than it was in the past.

"From 16 October until 16 November, we will be conducting some night flying training. On the majority of occasions it will be complete by 7pm, but on just a few nights it will last longer but certainly no later than midnight.

"Some of the flying will involve our friends from RAF Benson, here yet again with their Chinooks, for Exercise Kukri Dawn - to take their pilots and rear crews to graduation. They will be conducting flying both night and day.

"Once more we thank you for your forbearance and support and we ask that those who are cycling, riding or indeed walking their dogs, close to our perimeter fence, to take heed of the increased downdraft from these impressive helicopters as they approach and depart RAF Valley."