If you live in southeast Michigan or northwest Ohio, the Ohio National Guard’s 180th Fighter Wing is warning you not to be alarmed if you hear a strange noise in the sky Monday. Aircraft from the unit are scheduled to conduct some functional check flights Monday that could cause a sonic boom.
A sonic boom occurs when an object moves faster than the speed of sound. It produces a thunder-like boom and, in rare cases, can be felt. In June, residents in several areas of Michigan reported hearing the boom and feeling their homes shake as the sound passed by.
The functional checks were originally planned for Thursday, but were postponed shortly before the start of the flight.
A functional test flight is conducted after the aircraft has undergone extensive maintenance, during which the aircraft is subjected to “strenuous tests and maneuvers.” These tests are performed to ensure the aircraft is functioning properly and is ready to fly if needed. Although the flights take place at an altitude of 30,000 feet, residents below may hear or feel a sonic boom.
Although the 180th Fighter Wing has not yet set a date for Monday’s flights, you can follow the unit’s Facebook page for further updates.
