TAKE OFF… An F-16 takes off from the Ohio National Guard’s 180th Fighter Wing to participate in base exercises.
(Swanton, Ohio) – The 180th Fighter Wing is slated to carry out a critical functional check flight today, July 11, 2024, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
This significant event, happening in the Bowling Green and Toledo, Ohio vicinity, may resonate across Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan due to the anticipated sonic boom triggered by supersonic speeds.
A functional check flight, a stringent process executed after heavy aircraft maintenance, is designed to put the aircraft through rigorous testing and maneuvers. This is to ensure all systems of the aircraft are functioning optimally, thereby guaranteeing mission readiness before the aircraft is reintegrated into the operational rotation.
Although these flights typically take place above an altitude of 30,000 feet, residents in the area may still experience the sonic boom.
While the flights are scheduled for this morning and afternoon, they are subject to potential delays or cancellations due to weather conditions.
The 180FW extends its appreciation to the citizens of Ohio for their unwavering support as they continue their training in support of their missions.