Low-flying jet over Charlotte area explained

MATTHEWS, N.C. — Dozens of people were looking around for answers after a jet plane buzzed overhead Wednesday afternoon in Matthews and southeast Charlotte.

Multiple viewers called Channel 9 asking about the loud roar. One viewer caught a glimpse of one jet flying over his home.

Another viewer who works at the Lowe’s Home Improvement near Independence Boulevard said the buzz caused several car alarms to activate in the parking lot.

A spokesperson with the U.S. Air Force said that the F-16 was practicing a flyover set for Saturday’s Duke’s Mayo Classic in Charlotte. It was flying “outside of the clouds to remain within safe parameters.”

Statement from the Air Force.

“An F-16C Fighting Falcon assigned to the 79th Fighter Squadron Tigers, Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina, performed a practice flyover of Charlotte around 2:30 p.m. today ahead of a planned flyover this Saturday, September 2nd for the Duke’s Mayo Classic,” said Capt. Maddie Krpan, USAF.

“Due to adverse weather conditions, the pilot, in coordination with and at the direction of Charlotte Douglas International Airport air traffic control, flew outside of the clouds to remain within safe parameters. This meant the aircraft was slightly lower than normal, causing a visual and audible signature to the surrounding suburbs.

“The pilot circled the airspace multiple times in a holding pattern before the practice flyover took place and again flew in a below-cloud holding pattern until cleared to safely land at the Charlotte airport.

“Practicing flyovers is necessary for the pilots operating in unfamiliar airspace and for air traffic control, ground controllers, and stadium officials, in order to make the game day event a success.

“The 20th Fighter Wing is proud to partner with our local community and honored to perform flyovers for sporting events such as the Duke’s Mayo Classic. We look forward to flying in Charlotte airspace and displaying America’s air power for this weekend’s game with a group of four F-16 Fighting Falcons assigned to the 79th Fighter Squadron.

Charlotte residents should expect to see and hear additional activity from fighter jets assigned to Shaw in the coming days, as the pilots arrive, perform the flyover, and depart the Charlotte area.”

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