Jets startle residents
IT WAS no earthquake. The earth shook as Super Hornet jets conducted ear-splitting flying training in airspace over Toowoomba on Wednesday night. More training is scheduled over the region this week.
NO, it wasn’t an earthquake.
Residents as far afield as Dalby felt the earth move as Super Hornet jets from RAAF Base Amberley conducted training in airspace over Toowoomba on Wednesday.
Loud window-rattling jolts from 7pm onwards had residents searching the skies, with many assuming fallen trees or nearby explosions were to blame.
The Defence Department has set the record straight.
“Air Force apologises for the disruption to communities west of RAAF Base Amberley (on Wednesday) night,” a Defence spokesman said.
“F/A-18F Super Hornets were undertaking essential ‘intercept’ training in the ‘western airspace’ of RAAF Base Amberley, which incorporates the Toowoomba region.
“The western airspace is an essential training area for all RAAF Base Amberley aircraft, including F/A-18F Super Hornets, KC-30A Multi Role Tanker Transports, and C-17A Globemasters.
“Regrettably the training was louder than anticipated, and some residents experienced more aircraft noise than usually occurs, when Air Force uses the western airspace.”
The Air Force has launched an investigation into the cause of the above-normal noise levels.
“Although aircraft noise will never be eliminated, Air Force is doing everything it can to reduce noise impacts on communities, while balancing essential operational and training requirements for Australia’s security.”
Further training over the city was scheduled to be completed by 9pm last night.
Daytime training in the airspace is expected to continue today with flying to complete about 5pm.
“There are currently no planned flights for the western airspace next week, however, some day flying is planned for the following week (September 2 to 6),” the spokesman said.