Aug. 3--Travelers at Salt Lake City International Airport looking out their airliner windows may be startled to see F-16 fighter jets lined up on the taxiway waiting for takeoff.
"It could be a little weird," said airport spokeswoman Barbara Gann.
But not to worry.
The airport is allowing the Hill Air Force Base 419th Fighter Wing reserve unit to fly from the commercial facility for the next six weeks while Hill overhauls its main runway.
The fighters won't carry ordnance and won't hit their afterburners. And the F-16 pilots will be familiar with airport operations because most of them are Delta Air Lines pilots, said Airport Operations Superintendent Dave Korzep.
The unit's security forces will assume 24-hour duties at the airport for the duration.
"We are very appreciative of the outstanding support we have received from the Salt Lake City Airport Authority," Lt. Col. Michael Cutter, the 419th Fighter Wing deployment project officer, said in a statement.
Military officials said that while the skies over the area surrounding the air base will be quieter, Salt Lake Valley residents likely will notice the agile F-16 Fighting Falcons as they take off for the west desert training range every morning and afternoon.
"They sound different," said 419th spokeswoman Kari Tilton. "They fly a lot faster."
The 419th is Utah's only Air Force Reserve unit.
Comprising more than 1,300 military members and 25 civilian employees, the unit has been at Hill for more than 45 years.
