Fighter jets fly over in Cold Lake scheduled April 1: 4 Wing

Keep your eyes on the skies this April 1 for a fly over Cold Lake.

4 Wing Cold Lake is conducting a fly-past over the city in recognition of the 97^th birthday of the Royal Canadian Air Force, CFB Cold Lake’s readiness to support its NORAD mandate, and the contribution of all members of the community that have endured a very difficult year during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Twelve CF-18 Hornets, six CT-155 Hawks, and a CH-146 Griffon will be participating in this fly-past.

At 11 a.m. a formation of CF-18 Hornets and CT-155 Hawks will fly over Kinosoo Beach from north to south, 4 Wing said on Friday.

The aircraft will then regroup and fly over the city from east to west. The aircraft will be at an altitude no lower than 500 feet above the highest obstacle over ground level.

With COVID-19 restrictions in place across the country, residents of Cold Lake are encouraged to follow the province’s public gealth measures on outdoor gatherings and watch the fly-past from the comfort of their homes to the greatest extent possible.

“Royal Canadian Air Force flybys are carefully planned and closely controlled to ensure public safety at all times. The RCAF is proud to share in special events, which allows us to demonstrate the capabilities of our personnel and aircraft to Canadians,” the release said.

Aircraft participation is subject to weather and operational requirements.