Low Altitude Opponents Speak Out

FARMINGTON (NEWS CENTER) -- A proposal to expand the F-15 flight training area in western Maine is facing opposition.

The plan would allow the fighter jets to train within a few hundred feet of the ground. 

Officials with the Air National Guard say the pilots cannot meet or maintain their training requirements without the expansion of this territory.

Opponents, including Governor Baldacci and Attorney General Janet Mills feel the low altitude training would be detrimental to the vitality of the region and that more studies must be completed.

Public opinions on the plan are accepted until January 1, 2010 by contacting either of the people listed below.

Project Manager: Major Staphen R. Lippert

NGB/A7AM, Program Manager

3500 Fetchet Avenue

Andrews Air Force Base, MD 20762-5157

Phone:  (301) 836-8167

Email: Stephen.Lippert@ang.af.mil

Lt. Col Mike Milord

National Guard Bureau Public Affairs

Jefferson Plaza 1

1411 Jefferson David Hwy, Ste 11200

Arlington, VA 20222

Phone: (703) 607-2780

Fax: (703) 607-3680

Email: mike.milord1@us.army.mil