China Lake to buzz southern Inyo Communities
Operational flight tests scheduled over
Lone Pine, Independence and Trona
NAVAL AIR WEAPONS STATION CHINA LAKE, Calif. — Starting March 11, operational flight tests will be conducted in the vicinity of the towns of Lone Pine, Independence and Trona.
These events will include flights directly over these towns. The testing requires aircrew to fly at 1000′ over populated areas to simulate urban missions. All flights will be conducted in accordance with Federal Aviation Administration directives. The tests will take place during the day and each town will only be overflown once or twice a week. There will be no supersonic flight or any weapons release.
“We are fortunate to have a wonderful relationship with the local population in the vicinity of NAWS China Lake. We are very grateful for the support and understanding we have received from in the past from the citizens of Lone Pine, Independence and Trona when executing similar tests,” said Air Test and Evaluation Squadron NINE Commanding Officer Capt. Gordon Cross. “Operational tests of this nature are required to adequately evaluate new combat systems; combat systems that deliver increased capabilities to the Sailors and Aircrew at sea. ”