Pilots to begin night-flying operations

HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE, NM, UNITED STATES

05.04.2015

Story by Airman 1st Class Emily Kenney 

49th Wing

HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. - Students from the 311th Fighter Squadron and the German Air Force flying training center at Holloman Air Force Base, N.M., will be conducting routine night flying operations beginning May 4.

The students will be flying F-16 Fighting Falcons and German Air Force Tornados until midnight each night through June 12.

“The whole point of night flying is to familiarize students with the night environment, while executing F-16 missions and tactics using night vision goggles,” said Maj. Steve Jensen, 54th Operations Support Squadron chief of current operations. “During the night ops, the students will be flying two-ship tactical intercepts, two-ship surface attack tactics, combat air support, four-ship surface attack tactics, and four-ship surface attacks with airborne adversaries.”

Airmen assigned to aircraft maintenance, airfield, and flying operations will be assigned to later work shifts than normal. Members of Team Holloman can expect higher than normal afternoon and evening congestion at the gates and support facilities.

Although the students will be flying at night, Jensen said the effects on Team Holloman and the local community will be minimal.

“Sonic booms are possible, but on a very limited basis,” said Jensen. “There may also be some noise from the jets landing and taking off late at night.”

• Date Taken: 05.04.2015
• Date Posted: 05.04.2015 11:08
• Story ID: 162146
• Location: HOLLOMAN AIR FORCE BASE, NM, US