Residents in Borden, Burwash, and Meaford should expect the sound of heavy helicopters in the skies this week as the Royal Canadian Air Force conducts routine training exercises. Two CH-147F Chinook helicopters from 450 Tactical Helicopter Squadron will be flying over the area from Monday to Friday, performing air mobility tasks in support of Canadian Army training. “These aircraft are participating in routine force generation activities, including air mobility tasks in support of Canadian Army training,” said Sub-Lieutenant Meagan Pye, public affairs officer for 1 Wing headquarters. “Flight activities may generate unfamiliar noise and attract the attention of local residents.” Some operations are scheduled for early morning hours on Wednesday, running between midnight and 8 a.m. over Meaford and Burwash. Officials say the helicopters will operate at a minimum altitude of 500 feet above the highest obstacle on their route. While the aircraft will be configured with weapons, officials stressed that no ammunition will be on board during these flights. The RCAF emphasized all flights are carefully planned and monitored to maintain public safety. “Royal Canadian Air Force flights are meticulously planned and closely monitored to ensure public safety, with operations contingent on weather and flying conditions,” Pye added. Residents are asked to remain aware of the scheduled operations and to understand that any noise is a normal part of military training. According to the RCAF, the CH-147F Chinook is a heavy-lift helicopter widely used by the air force for troop movement and logistics support, and the 450 Tactical Helicopter Squadron regularly conducts exercises across Ontario as part of ongoing operational readiness.
