A National Defence aircraft from 19 Wing Comox will be in the Chilcotin Range, southwest of Williams Lake, for training beginning Monday, Nov. 4.
The training is in order to maintain night operations capabilities and will take place between 6 p.m. and 1 a.m.
Training is expected to continue through to Thursday, Nov. 7 and again on Monday, Nov. 11 to Thursday, Nov. 14, at a location approximately 50 kilometres from Williams Lake.
During this period, members of the public may hear or see one of the squadron’s CC-130H Hercules airplanes in the area dropping smoke or illumination flares, noted a news release from National Defence.
"These bright white flares can be seen from a great distance as they slowly descend from the sky to the water and burn for four to five minutes each."
This training is essential to ensure the Royal Canadian Air Force’s (RCAF) Search and Rescue (SAR) crews are able to safely conduct night rescues, which the squadron is often called upon to conduct.
"RCAF SAR technicians are known for their distinctive bright orange jumpsuits and commitment to helping Canadians in peril. Regular training under a variety of conditions ensures that the SAR techs are always ready to meet whatever challenges, day or night that a mission may present," noted the news release.
People awake early Sunday, Nov. 3 did hear a large aircraft fly over the city of Williams Lake.
