Loud jet noise just before 11am Friday got our attention here (101@154) because it's unique. The jets to and from SBA are directed by ATC to arrive and depart offshore, though some incoming jets will descend for landing near the shoreline over the Mesa and Hope Ranch area. Any rare loud jet noise here is from those areas and related to atmospheric effects like fog making the sound carry further.
It sounded low and nearly overhead moving from ESE to WNW, with bursts of power as though climbing. My first thought was a military jet scrambled out of Mugu. Looking at an online flight tracker, it appeared to be a flight of two aircraft going relatively fast (300kts+) and low (3,000') which is also Very unusual. The track started at LAX, so we wondered it it's related to President Biden or associated resources and personnel going from there to Portland.
We watched it progress offshore between VAFB and Santa Maria, and then it stopped. Assuming it didn't crash into the ocean, most likely the aircraft crew simply turned off their position reporting avionics (ADS-B). By now it was clear this was a military flight, first from the loud engine noise, but more obviously from the fast and low flight through relatively busy airspace. In this morning's weather, at low altitude these flights could well be flying in zero visibility and that again would seem more likely military since they presumably have excellent on-board radar and exceptionally skilled crews.
Later we saw another flight with a similar profile (fast and low) and a track starting over Hwy.166 in the Carrizo Plain area and abruptly stopping over 101 a few miles this side of Arroyo Grande.
Does it seem as though we're having more military drills and practice since the Ukraine invasion? Other ideas or info anyone?
John, For a number of months now it has seemed busier with practice runs through VSFB. Quite a few never show up on ADs-B. What we are seeing today, though, may be due to this weekend's AirFest at the Santa Maria Airport. There's quite the array coming in for tomorrow & Sunday. See here: https://www.centralcoastairfest.com/.
John, For a number of months now it has seemed busier with practice runs through VSFB. Quite a few never show up on ADs-B. What we are seeing today, though, may be due to this weekend's AirFest at the Santa Maria Airport. There's quite the array coming in for tomorrow & Sunday. See here: https://www.centralcoastairfest.com/.
AirFest maybe, but why a loud jet fast and low through the SBA Class C surface ring? The turn wouldn't make sense for an SMX approach, nor would turning off ADS-B there. The subsequent similar low/fast profile a little later maybe was the same plane(s)? I also saw a KC tanker with nearby jet maneuvering tight around traffic in SoCA with similar low/fast profile. Haven't seen anything so fast/low in busy airspace or that low tanker activity before, have you?
AirFest maybe, but why a loud jet fast and low through the SBA Class C surface ring? The turn wouldn't make sense for an SMX approach, nor would turning off ADS-B there. The subsequent similar low/fast profile a little later maybe was the same plane(s)? I also saw a KC tanker with nearby jet maneuvering tight around traffic in SoCA with similar low/fast profile. Haven't seen anything so fast/low in busy airspace or that low tanker activity before, have you?
I feel like military helicopter flyover's have been increased in the last 6 months.
I feel like military helicopter flyover's have been increased in the last 6 months.
Me too, plus lots of other military stuff. Probable sub hunting practice out past the islands, many aerial refueling runs, c130 & c17 flights, etc...
Me too, plus lots of other military stuff. Probable sub hunting practice out past the islands, many aerial refueling runs, c130 & c17 flights, etc...
Practicing for our $78 BILLION (so far) U.S. taxpayers funded Biden War in the Ukraine. Haven't been this close to World War III since the Cuban Missile Crisis in the early 60's... Go warhawk Democrats!
Practicing for our $78 BILLION (so far) U.S. taxpayers funded Biden War in the Ukraine. Haven't been this close to World War III since the Cuban Missile Crisis in the early 60's... Go warhawk Democrats!
That's certainly a fantasy number you picked there. Try subtracting at least 60 billion.
That's certainly a fantasy number you picked there. Try subtracting at least 60 billion.
@A-166- Really...? We gave $40 BILLION (actually was $54 BILLION) initially in May and have continued to fund this WAR with arms, missiles and aid... Another $16 Billion, another $2.9 BILLION, and recently, $625 MILLION.... It grows every week and this is not even the BILLIONS pouring into Ukraine from NGO's (non governmental organizations) ... So you see, it is a U.S. funded WAR MACHINE that is taking our money out of our country. Duh.
@A-166- Really...? We gave $40 BILLION (actually was $54 BILLION) initially in May and have continued to fund this WAR with arms, missiles and aid... Another $16 Billion, another $2.9 BILLION, and recently, $625 MILLION.... It grows every week and this is not even the BILLIONS pouring into Ukraine from NGO's (non governmental organizations) ... So you see, it is a U.S. funded WAR MACHINE that is taking our money out of our country. Duh.
Biden War? I thought Putin did the invading. But facts don't matter under the tin foil hat.
Biden War? I thought Putin did the invading. But facts don't matter under the tin foil hat.
Coastwatch--GOOD. The Ukranian people deserve a fighting chance--what happened to you MAGATS believing in freedom? You never did.
The Ukranian people deserve a fighting chance--what happened to you MAGATS believing in freedom?
Maybe there is more fuel in the air and and easier to get? Some of those aircraft can't just fill up anywhere.
Maybe there is more fuel in the air and and easier to get? Some of those aircraft can't just fill up anywhere.
There have been a ton of exercises in the channel lately. I watch on ADS-B C130, trainer jets, Ospreys nearly every day, Blackhawks, AWACS every week. There have been times when I have seen a dozen military aircraft in the channel at once.
There have been a ton of exercises in the channel lately. I watch on ADS-B C130, trainer jets, Ospreys nearly every day, Blackhawks, AWACS every week. There have been times when I have seen a dozen military aircraft in the channel at once.
Exactly John, I agree and the airshow planes always show on ADS-B unless maybe they are the F35s. I haven't heard any radials, so maybe the P-38 and the others are coming from a different direction from us.
Exactly John, I agree and the airshow planes always show on ADS-B unless maybe they are the F35s. I haven't heard any radials, so maybe the P-38 and the others are coming from a different direction from us.
P-38s have non-radial piston engines.
P-38s have non-radial piston engines.
Actually I've heard quite a few radials lately, mostly slow ones like presumably DC-3s but maybe a few singles flying slowly to conserve those expensive engines. Sadly, I've not heard the snap of a P-51 for quite a while. Those will often get me out the door for a glimpse even though there gone in seconds. For a while some years ago we had one that would zip out from SBA to the East and back in a few minutes, and the sight or sound of one is always a delight. :)
Actually I've heard quite a few radials lately, mostly slow ones like presumably DC-3s but maybe a few singles flying slowly to conserve those expensive engines. Sadly, I've not heard the snap of a P-51 for quite a while. Those will often get me out the door for a glimpse even though there gone in seconds. For a while some years ago we had one that would zip out from SBA to the East and back in a few minutes, and the sight or sound of one is always a delight. :)
Mostly the Allison version of the Rolls Royce Merlin I guess.
Mostly the Allison version of the Rolls Royce Merlin I guess.
10:00PM correct, so I should have said I haven't heard the F4U, P-47, TBM, B-25, F8Fand SBD, so along with the P-38 and others ( P-40 & P-51) are coming from a different direction.
10:00PM correct, so I should have said I haven't heard the F4U, P-47, TBM, B-25, F8Fand SBD, so along with the P-38 and others ( P-40 & P-51) are coming from a different direction.
I have notice an uptick in military activity too. Doesn't bother me in the least, since I grew up within earshot of Miramar. My theory is that maybe now that Vandenberg is a Space Force base there is an increase in ops with planes based out of Mugu.
I have notice an uptick in military activity too. Doesn't bother me in the least, since I grew up within earshot of Miramar. My theory is that maybe now that Vandenberg is a Space Force base there is an increase in ops with planes based out of Mugu.
I guess the bottom line is that we're seeing some prudent preparation in case Russia decides to engage NATO or vice versa? I'm interested to see what comes of the brief news item that Germany is sending their most advanced anti-missile system to Ukraine, maybe with German crews?
I guess the bottom line is that we're seeing some prudent preparation in case Russia decides to engage NATO or vice versa? I'm interested to see what comes of the brief news item that Germany is sending their most advanced anti-missile system to Ukraine, maybe with German crews?
I live in SM and I can tell you first hand that the air traffic with military style aircraft and many other type of WWII and later has been incredible the last day or two just getting ready for the AirFest happening today and tomorrow. In addition, there has been a lot of military (F-15 style) in and out and touch and go activity in our local airport over the last few months as they are doing manuevers out over the ocean.
I live in SM and I can tell you first hand that the air traffic with military style aircraft and many other type of WWII and later has been incredible the last day or two just getting ready for the AirFest happening today and tomorrow. In addition, there has been a lot of military (F-15 style) in and out and touch and go activity in our local airport over the last few months as they are doing manuevers out over the ocean.
Air Show at Edwards this weekend?
Air Show at Edwards this weekend?
There has been an uptick at SB Airport of military operations, takeoff and landings etc. Anytime there is world tension with US involved this happens. Pilots need to practice and flying is a major way they get current. The increase of late is probably mostly due to the Presidents visit to LA and Santa Marias Airfest. Edwards Air Force base has a show coming up also.
There has been an uptick at SB Airport of military operations, takeoff and landings etc. Anytime there is world tension with US involved this happens. Pilots need to practice and flying is a major way they get current. The increase of late is probably mostly due to the Presidents visit to LA and Santa Marias Airfest. Edwards Air Force base has a show coming up also.
More software updates anyone? Since the Ukraine invasion I've noticed a vastly greater number of security and software updates on my Linux computer. Do there also seem to be more articles about new malware vectors? I saw one yesterday in the tech news that looked sophisticated enough to be "state sponsored." Not directly related to the low, fast loud jet but if as many say that's likely related to the invasion this probably is too.
More software updates anyone? Since the Ukraine invasion I've noticed a vastly greater number of security and software updates on my Linux computer. Do there also seem to be more articles about new malware vectors? I saw one yesterday in the tech news that looked sophisticated enough to be "state sponsored." Not directly related to the low, fast loud jet but if as many say that's likely related to the invasion this probably is too.
Ukraine has been crushing the Ruscists in cyber, too, especially social media. Some of these are hilarious and brilliant: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-63272202
Ukraine has been crushing the Ruscists in cyber, too, especially social media. Some of these are hilarious and brilliant:
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-63272202
When Russia and China helped Uncle Ho invade South Vietnam, few people called it JFK's War to send aid and special forces. Laos was probably Truman's or Ike's secret war..... after French left the fight. But the VN war was often called LBJs War, then Nixon's War, and Ford's War? So if Biden and Obama set up aid to Ukraine on their watch, then they should get credit for meddling in Euro politics? The USA usually waited until long after Poland or France fall to eastern empires. or just sells the weapons.
When Russia and China helped Uncle Ho invade South Vietnam, few people called it JFK's War to send aid and special forces. Laos was probably Truman's or Ike's secret war..... after French left the fight.
But the VN war was often called LBJs War, then Nixon's War, and Ford's War?
So if Biden and Obama set up aid to Ukraine on their watch, then they should get credit for meddling in Euro politics?
The USA usually waited until long after Poland or France fall to eastern empires. or just sells the weapons.
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