Low-Flying Airplane Mapping Parts of Northeastern California

Residents should not be alarmed if they see a low-flying airplane over parts of northeastern California starting around Sept. 11.

For about two months, an airplane operated under contract to the U.S. Geological Survey will be making low-level flights over parts of northeastern California, covering parts of Shasta, Lassen, Modoc, Siskiyou, and Plumas counties. The survey will extend as far north as Whitehorse and as far south as Greenville. The survey will cover the towns of Burney, Fall River Mills, Old Station, Bieber, Westwood and Susanville with the purpose of collecting and recording geologic measurements.

Anyone observing the low-flying plane should not be alarmed if they see it fly overhead or pass below the horizon. The contractor will be following all guidelines established by the Federal Aviation Administration, and the aircraft will be operated by experienced pilots, specially trained for low-level flying.

This airborne survey is designed to remotely study the geologic and hydrologic units that lie below the land surface. It is part of an ongoing USGS program to identify hidden features such as changes in rock types, ultimately providing a better understanding of the geology and hydrology of the area for the purpose of groundwater assessment, and seismic and volcanic hazards.

The airplane is operated by New-Sense Geophysics Ltd. of Ontario, Canada, which is working with the FAA to ensure flights are safe and in accordance with U.S. law.