Two F-18 fighter jets flying over the Inuit community of Rigolet earlier this week were taking part in the what is being called a “quick reaction exercise”, according to 5 Wing Goose-Bay.
The aircraft were flying at 1,200 feet and above and were circling the skies near the community to burn fuel prior to landing at 5 Wing.
After receiving inquiries from residents of Rigolet, the Nunatsiavut Government reached out to 5 Wing for an explanation as to why the aircraft were so close to the community.
“Crews are extremely vigilant with respect to standard operating procedures such as overflights of built-up areas and Indigenous communities. It remains a critical objective to respect and consult Indigenous communities when planning exercises and training, but unfortunately, these quick reaction exercises can, and do, occur, with little to no notice,” reads an email received from 5 Wing.