Big plane will fly over Wednesday morning

The Montana National Guard will be conducting flyovers in 21 cities around the state on Wednesday, May 6 as a tribute to first responders supporting the fight against COVID-19.

Two C-130 aircraft from the 120th Airlift Wing, Montana Air National Guard, will perform flyovers throughout Montana. The event is part of the Air Force Salutes flyover program with similar events planned throughout the nation.

The flyover is expected to pass over Columbia Falls at 11:35 a.m., over Whitefish at 11:40 a.m. and Kalispell at 11:45 a.m. on Wednesday.

A detailed list of towns and any updated times for the flyover can be found on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/120Vigilantes/

Folks are encouraged to view the flyover from home rather than gathering to watch it.

The purpose of the flyovers is to demonstrate the Department of the Air Force’s continued readiness during the national COVID-19 response, while saluting the American heroes at the forefront in the fight against COVID-19. The flyovers are intended to lift morale in towns, cities and states across America due to the severe health and economic impacts that have resulted from COVID-19, according to a release.

“The Montana National Guard salutes each Montanan serving on the frontlines in our fight against COVID-19,” said Col. Buel Dickson, commander, 120th Airlift Wing, in a release. “These flyovers are a small gesture of appreciation to the heroes across the state. You epitomize the ethos as Montanans helping Montanans. We are indebted to your service and appreciate your efforts in trying to keep our state safe.”

The event begins in Great Falls Wednesday morning with a two-ship flyover of Benefis Hospital. The aircraft will then split off with one taking an eastern route and the other covering the western part of Montana. Together they are scheduled to fly over more than 20 cities and towns, focusing on health care facilities in the regions they visit.