Herc overflights - info source?

[Occam]

I don't want to (ab)use my DWAN access to operational sources who might be able to answer this question, so I'd appreciate some insight as to who I could ask "as a member of the public".

Last night, a Herc (or I strongly suspect a Herc) made repeated, low level (2000' by my untrained eye) passes over our little town in eastern Ontario.  More than a few residents took to our community Facebook page asking what was going on, and some seemed to be quite freaked out over it.  I assured them it was likely just pilot training, and that I was pretty sure it was a Herc (four engines, sounded like the Herc I've heard many times).  On his lowest pass, he had what I presume were landing lights (bright lights on the wings) illuminated.  We're about 50 km from Ottawa airport, and it didn't appear to be on an approach (we do see commercial aircraft on approach to YOW frequently, but they're at a much higher altitude at that point).

Who could I ask a) if it was indeed a Herc and b) what they were up to?

 

[acen]

Resident of Limoges as well? I assumed it was the annual aerial pot sweep through the Larose forest, but I could definitely be wrong. I'm just on the edge of the forest and it has been a hive of aerial activity lately.

 

[Occam]

Yup, flew right over Limoges a bunch of times.  The pot sweep aircraft are usually helicopters, or smaller single engine planes.

 

[Loachman]

I've never heard of counter-marijuana being done by any seized-wing aircraft. They move too quickly, cannot fly low enough, are not manoeuvrable enough, do not give good visibility to spotters, and, in the case of Hercs, are too expensive.

Were there any local festivals or other special events around? I'd guess not, or the flyby would have been publicised.

My next guess would be SAR training.

 

[Occam]

No events that I'm aware of.  It was late - 2130-ish, well after dark.

 

[Jorkapp]

Another possibility is a SAR flight.

 

[Fishbone Jones]

I've never heard of counter-marijuana being done by any seized-wing aircraft. They move too quickly, cannot fly low enough, are not manoeuvrable enough, do not give good visibility to spotters, and, in the case of Hercs, are too expensive.

Were there any local festivals or other special events around? I'd guess not, or the flyby would have been publicised.

My next guess would be SAR training.

The Trackers of VU-33 used to do it. Just sayin'.  8)

 

[Loachman]

Over land?

 

[Fishbone Jones]

Over land?

West coast and over the islands. Late '70's.

I've never heard of seaborne grow ops.  [

 

[dimsum]

As with Loachman and Guy, I'd guess it was 424 Sqn on a SAR training flight. 

 

[Oldgateboatdriver]

West coast and over the islands. Late '70's.

I've never heard of seaborne grow ops.  [

You just had to give those guys a new idea they hadn't tried yet.  :facepalm:

 

[Good2Golf]

I don't want to (ab)use my DWAN access to operational sources who might be able to answer this question, so I'd appreciate some insight as to who I could ask "as a member of the public".

Last night, a Herc (or I strongly suspect a Herc) made repeated, low level (2000' by my untrained eye) passes over our little town in eastern Ontario.  More than a few residents took to our community Facebook page asking what was going on, and some seemed to be quite freaked out over it.  I assured them it was likely just pilot training, and that I was pretty sure it was a Herc (four engines, sounded like the Herc I've heard many times).  On his lowest pass, he had what I presume were landing lights (bright lights on the wings) illuminated.  We're about 50 km from Ottawa airport, and it didn't appear to be on an approach (we do see commercial aircraft on approach to YOW frequently, but they're at a much higher altitude at that point).

Who could I ask a) if it was indeed a Herc and b) what they were up to?

Fortunately the google still works...

Contact Details

8 Wing / CFB Trenton
P.O. Box 1000 Station Forces
Astra, Ontario K0K 3W0

Canada Base switchboard: (613) 392-2811

Wing Community Outreach and Heritage Officer: (613) 392-2811 x3492

Wing Public Affairs Officer for Current Operations: (613) 392-2811 x4565

Wing Public Affairs Officer for Strategic Planning: (613) 392-2811 x2041

 

[Retired AF Guy]

As with Loachman and Guy, I'd guess it was 424 Sqn on a SAR training flight.

Could call the PAO in Trenton and see what he/she says.

 

[expwor]

Local radio station (I live in Brighton) reported that the Rescue squadron is conducting illumination flare training. Supposed to be more training tonight.

Tom

 

[Occam]

I'll check with the PAO tomorrow.  Thanks!