Fighter planes testing over peninsula

Residents of north Kenai and Nikiski will get a taste of life on an Air Force base over the next two weeks.

The Federal Aviation Administration and F-15E Strike Eagle planes from the 90th fighter squadron at Elmendorf Air Force Base in Anchorage are conducting a fighter data link test of the communication systems between aircrafts.

The planes will be flying at heights of 10,000 to 17,000 feet and thus will be more audible and visible on the Kenai Peninsula.

"Any fighter aircraft down on the Kenai is going to look low," said John Scudder, third wing public affairs spokesperson. "If you are not used to that kind of noise, it is unusual. It is something we deal with all of the time up here. We get used to it."

According to Scudder, who has been with the public affairs office for five years, he is not aware of any similar test prior to the one being held.