That is the sound and sight of F-15 fighter jets roaring over the neighborhood at low altitudes. The Oregon Air National Guard has been practicing combat-style landing patterns in the area as a “test”. Typically, these drills have been practiced outside of residential areas. However, the National Guard is hoping to make the practice of military maneuvers over local residential areas a permanent fixture.
Let me repeat that, although NO public outreach or notification regarding this “test” of military combat training over residential areas occurred, what you are hearing and seeing now could become a permanent experience.
The present “test” will proceed until the end of February, then the Port of Portland will decide whether to allow this to continue ad infinitum or not.
The Cully Association of Neighbors (CAN) has come out formally against this making this testing permanent because of the noise and safety concerns. The Concordia Neighborhood Association intends to take a formal position on this issue at its December Board meeting.
However individual residents and businesses are free to voice their concern about low-level military maneuvers in the area IMMEDIATELY by contacting the Airport Noise Complaint line at 503-460-4100 and/or sending a letter to the Jason Schwartz, Noise Program Manager PO Box 3529, Portland. OR 97208.
As always, it never hurts to also contact the Portland City Council about your concerns. We will keep you posted on this issue in the Concordia News and at concordiapdx.org.