CHELYABINSK/MOSCOW, June 1 - RAPSI. A regional court ordered an expert appraisal in a lawsuit filed by Chelayabinsk residents to stop Su-24 bombers from flying over the city.

The residents allege that the noise exceeds permissible levels, the court reports on Friday.

Experts will establish the noise level and the health hazards for the local population.

An air base was moved to the Shagol airfield in Chelyabinsk in November 2010. Later, residents began complaining to the city authorities about the noise produced by the combat aircraft. They claimed that the military has been violating their right to a positive living environment.

The residents complained about the intensive roar produced by aircraft flying over the city at low altitudes every 10-15 minutes, frightening children and triggering car alarms.

The plaintiffs noted that the training flights have also been carried out at night. The airbase commander has said that the flights do not pose a threat to residents. He also said it would be impossible to move the base out of the city soon. He added that the noise is created when aircraft turn on their afterburners while preparing to land. However, the landing path cannot be changed, he stressed.

The Sukhoi Su-24 is a Soviet and Russian tactical bomber designed to deliver missile and bomb attacks at low altitudes. It is one of the most popular aircraft in Russias Air Force. However, it runs a high crash risk. Sixteen air crashes involving Su-24/24Ms have occurred since 2000.