148th Fighter Wing Night Flying – September 22-October 2

Don't be surprised if you hear or see something strange in the sky the next couple of weeks.  The 148th Fighter Wing is alerting the general public that they will be conducting night flying exercises from September 22 through October 2.

A post on the 148th's social media gives direction on what someone could expect:

"Residents in the local area [Northland] and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan may hear F-16s taking off, flying and landing during the later afternoon and evening. These missions will normally be flown above 18,000’ feet but at times the F-16s may fly lower in approved training airspace to accomplish required training."

The exercises are routine in nature.  Night flying is required for pilot proficiency to help the 148th in their training and testing for pilot proficiency and to get ready for potential future missions worldwide.  During the critical training period, the 148th Fighter Wing will conduct critical training with Joint Terminal Attack Controllers and utilize night vision goggles.  Joint Terminal Attack Controllers are highly-specialized military personnel who direct the action of combat aircraft - such as F-16's - engaged in close air support missions.