Navy conducting 2nd Franklin FCLP demo

Dec 13, 2010

Tues. demo features mixture of E-2C and C-2 planes

FRANKLIN, Va. (WAVY) - The Navy has scheduled a second round of Field Carrier Landing Practice (FCLP) demonstration flights at Franklin Municipal Airport for Tuesday from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

The Navy conducted two earlier demonstrations with E-2C aircraft on Oct. 27. Officials say the additional flight is in response to requests from members of the public. Tuesday's demonstration will involve four aircraft and closely replicate the three-hour training scenario typical of FCLP operations.

The Navy announced on Oct. 1 that it planned to negotiate with the City of Franklin to conduct FCLP operations at Franklin Municipal Airport for E-2/C-2 squadrons based at Naval Station Norfolk Chambers Field.

The Navy had sought the use of an airfield for E-2/C-2 aircraft in order to provide a near term, interim solution to Navy Auxiliary Landing Field (NALF) Fentress FCLP capacity shortfalls. NALF Fentress is located in Chesapeake.

A turboprop aircraft, the E-2/C-2 is significantly quieter than jet aircraft. The decision to begin negotiations with Franklin came after the Navy confirmed it held an existing real estate interest in Franklin Municipal Airport.

The Navy hopes to begin E-2/C-2 FCLP flights in Franklin by January 2012.

Tuesday's demonstration will include a mix of both E-2C Hawkeye and C-2 Greyhound aircraft. The aircraft will depart from Chambers Field at Naval Station Norfolk and fly to Franklin Municipal Airport, entering into a pattern to conduct simulated Field Carrier Landing Practice (FCLP). The aircraft will simulate carrier landing practice to allow the public to experience what noise is generated from these types of operations at this airfield. Aircraft will fly the pattern in both directions, weather conditions permitting, to allow area residents to fully assess what FCLP operations will be like to either runway 09 or 27. Residents should be aware that runway direction is determined by the wind direction and adverse winds affect the aircraft path above the ground. Residents should also be aware that if and when these aircraft use this airfield for FCLP operations, it is unlikely the pattern would be flown in each direction during the same day - this is being done only for demonstration purposes to allow residents to fully assess what these operations will be on each runway direction.

Residents are encouraged to observe the demonstration at a location where they may have concerns about these operations, whether that is from their home, place of worship, or local school.

In the event of inclement weather, the flights will be re-scheduled for Wednesday.

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