Forest Service planes will fly low over Sisters

Residents living east of Green Ridge in the Sisters Ranger District might see low-flying airplanes Tuesday, February 22 through Friday, February 25.

Forest Service pilots will conduct aerial firefighting exercises.

Nine Forest Service pilots will fly 2,000 to 200 feet above the ground simulating fire operations.

The exercise will simulate the work of lead planes, which direct air tankers to wildland fires, check flight conditions and supervise retardant drops.

Forest Service firefighters will be on the ground to enhance the annual exercise, but it will not involve controlled burns, according to a USFS press release.

Agency officials ask people to avoid the area during the training to ensure public and pilot safety.

Biologists have reviewed the site and determined flight operations will not negatively impact wildlife, according to the Forest Service.

The agency said that nearby land owners have been notified and given their approval.

Aircraft involved in the exercise include a Beech Baron 58 and King Air 90, twin-engine airplanes the agency routinely uses for these operations.

A Sherpa C-23 smokejumper airplane will participate and play the role of a heavy air tanker.