180th Fighter Wing functional check flight this morning may create sonic boom

180FW Airmen conduct daily training in realistic environments and circumstances to ensure they maintain the highest level of proficiency and readiness for worldwide deployment. (U.S. Air National Guard Photo by Senior Master Sgt. Beth Holliker).

The 180th Fighter Wing will conduct another functional check flight today, June 13, between 9:30 and 11 a.m.

While the actual flight will take place around the Bowling Green and Toledo area, residents across Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan may hear a sonic boom once supersonic speeds are reached.

A functional check flight is conducted following heavy maintenance on the aircraft, putting the aircraft through strenuous testing and maneuvers to ensure all systems of the aircraft function properly and ensuring mission readiness, before putting the aircraft back into operational rotation.

These flights normally occur above an altitude of 30,000 feet, but area residents may still hear the sonic boom.

Although scheduled for this morning and afternoon, the flights could be delayed or canceled due to weather.