Community Corner
U.S. Helicopter Security Test Flights Planned Ahead Of Boston Marathon
The National Nuclear Security Administration said the low-flying aircraft will test expected background radiation along the Marathon route.
NEWTON, MA — Residents along the Boston Marathon route are advised to be on the lookout for National Nuclear Security low-altitude aircraft conducting security flights over the Boston Marathon route in the days leading up to Monday's race.
The flights are scheduled from Thursday through Monday to test for expected background radiation as part of standard public health and safety preparations.
The aircraft is a NNSA twin-engine Bell 412 helicopter equipped with radiation-sensing technology. The flyovers will be about 80 miles per hour at 150 feet or higher above ground. Flights will take place during daylight hours and take about two hours to complete per area.
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The U.S. Department of Energy said these surveys are a part of preparedness activities to support security and any potential emergency response. The NNSA was making the public aware of the upcoming flights so citizens who see the low-flying aircraft are not alarmed.
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