Q: The Braves’ home opener made me wonder. Do the Braves have to pay to have the fighter jets to fly over the stadium? If so, how much? If they do not have to pay, do you need to know somebody, or can I get them for my daughter’s high school graduation?
—Keith Magnes, Decatur
A: Flyovers generally are reserved for events coinciding with five patriotic holidays and "national level sporting events," an U.S. Air Force spokeswoman told Q&A on the News.
The holidays include Armed Forces Day (third Saturday in May), Memorial Day, Independence Day, Prisoner of War/Missing in Action Recognition Day (third Friday in September) and Veterans Day.
Those requesting flyovers must fill out the Department of Defense’s “Request for Military Aerial Support” form (DD2535). The request goes through a formal review, and if approved, must also coincide with a planned training flight.
“They are not permitted to generate a sortie or flight for an event,” said Jennifer Bentley, the chief of public engagement for Air Force public affairs. “This is real-time training.”
For example, if the national anthem singer holds a note too long, Bentley said, the person on the ground must communicate that to the pilots so they will fly over the stadium at the correct moment.
Generally, local units will perform the flyovers.
Additional options include static displays, parachute demos and requests for appearances from the Air Force’s Thunderbirds and the U.S. Navy’s Blue Angels.
“If there’s 50 people at an event, it’s probably not the best use of our air dollars,” Bentley said.
The U.S. Coast Guard’s website states “appropriate events include airport dedications, air shows, expositions and fairs.”
Andy Johnston with Fast Copy News Service wrote this column. Do you have a question? We’ll try to get the answer. Call 404-222-2002 or email q&a@ajc.com (include name, phone and city).
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