Plane from Liverpool seen flying over the skies of Plymouth

Small plane is carrying out a mapping survey today

A small aeroplane has been criss-crossing the skies above Plymouth today.

The small craft is carrying out a photographic mapping survey of the city and parts of Cornwall.

The plane, operated by Liverpool-based Ravenair, is expected to finish its mission later this afternoon.

The flight path from Flightradar24 shows the Partenavia P68 repeatedly crossing the Tamar as it flies over the north of the city, including Southway.

A spokesman for Ravenair said he could not reveal the name of the clients.

He added: “It is nothing out of the ordinary, it is just at the moment people tend to notice planes flying more as the skies are relatively empty.

“It is not the first call we have had from someone who is concerned or wants to find information.”

Asked whether the plane could spy on anyone, he added: “He would need good eyesight at 2,800 ft. It is just a mapping survey, nothing else.”

The spokesman said that the craft had flown down from Liverpool this morning and was heading back there this afternoon.

Bradley Darlington, who took this photograph of the craft, said the plane was on its way to Newquay Airport, possibly for a refuel and a break.

Among the planes seen in the empty skies over the city since the lockdown, was a craft carrying a family tribute on a banner.

A heartbroken family arranged for the aeroplane to fly over on April 28 in tribute to a Plymouth granny who had a "heart of gold".

Maureen Ann Body sadly died on April 8, 2020, aged 79, after testing positive for coronavirus.