Lately I've noticed an increase in military jets flying over where I live (bay area, ca). This afternoon I saw 4 fighters flying in formation on a westerly course; I think they are either F15s or 16s. Is this a stepping up of the security now that 9/11 anniversary is getting close? What kind of measures is the government taking to prevent another attack?
Do military aircrafts patrol the coast and US airspace regularly? Are there regulations?
And is it possible to hear (maybe not too loud) sonic boom caused by a jet if you're ground-level?
I know it's a lot of questions, but I'd appreciate it if you could take some time and answer them. Thanks.
2007-09-09 11:42:06 · 6 answers · asked by r2-d2 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Military
There isn't a need to 'patrol' the skies with jets. The only reliable way to track aircraft is from the ground, via radar. There are bases all over the U.S. with the ability to scramble fighters on a moments notice. Having jets in the air 'looking' for threats is just a waste of resources and fuel. The chances that they would be in the right spot at the right time are slim to none. The distances that would need to be covered are simply too vast.
On a personal note, I think you worry too much. You have fed into this attitude of fear and weakness that pervades our country. Personally, I would rather live in a free country than a secure country. If I wanted security, I could move to China or North Korea. The government there keeps it's citizens very secure....
2007-09-09 11:53:46 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
It's called Operation Noble Eagle. The defense of the homeland. Planes are aloft 24/7. It has been so since September 12, 2001. That's reinforced by troops on the ground which you might see in areas that have a high potential for attack. It's clearly evident around places like Penn Station in New York City. Most of the air missions are flown by assets from the Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve units. The California Air Guard does operate out of facilities in the inner bay area.
2007-09-09 12:06:25 · answer #2 · answered by desertviking_00 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, you'll see California Air Guard F-15's flying over the Bay Area if you watch closely. I have no idea what the current measures are...
I flew in Navy helicopters and the P-3C Orion for years... routine training missions up and down the California Coast. The Coast Guard has the actual task.
Regarding a sonic-boom... except for test-ranges in the Nevada area, supersonic flight is banned over the USA. SO, if you actually hear one here in the Bay Area, they are responding to an actual incident.
2007-09-09 11:56:14 · answer #3 · answered by mariner31 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You live in the bay area. There is Moffet field not to far away. It could be an air show in town, or the AF or Navy are just doing some training in the area.
As for the sonic boom, aircraft are forbidden to break the sound barrier over land. If there is low cloud cover, the aircraft will seam to be louder then normal.
2007-09-09 11:59:59 · answer #4 · answered by guns155mm 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I won't worried war games come and go.
Most likely they are reserve units getting flight time in.
2007-09-09 11:50:27 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
OR......................................... Today is the Raiders opening game and they did a pre-game flyover like every freaking year.
2007-09-09 13:05:23 · answer #6 · answered by Stand-up philosopher. It's good to be the King 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋