May 1, 2008
More Flyovers for Lincoln County

By Dave Maxwell, Staff Writer

Prior to the arrival of the new F-35 fighter aircraft at Nellis AFB the last of three public hearings were held regarding the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) in Caliente and Alamo. At the April 23-24 meeting Sheryl Parker of Langley AFB, VA made a brief presentation on the results outlined in the draft study.

Overall, the only affect to Lincoln County will be a slight increase in the number of flyovers by aircraft on their way to the Nevada Test and Training Range and an increase of about 1 percent in the number of sonic booms over populated areas. Sonic booms, when they do occur, might be a little bit louder. Most of the F-35 flights would be at altitudes between 5,000 to 50,000 feet.

A final EIS for public review and comment is expected in the spring of 2009.