Thanks to Debra Salazar Herbst from Alki Beach Daily Sunsets for allowing us to use her photo of the military plane whose low Alki flyby drew some attention tonight. Several people messaged us to ask about it; we also obtained some information via Twitter, because what was apparently the same plane also caught some eyes/ears in Whatcom County. It’s reported to have been a C-17 from Joint Base Lewis-McChord.
it wasn’t loud at all – it was almost silent. doubt very much this was a standard C-17.
Thanks, Spencer, though we were on Beach Drive at the time we didn’t see/hear this – maybe it was more the sensation of the low-flying plane than the sound, for those who mentioned it to us – TR
High bypass turbofans like what the C17 has are remarkably relatively quiet – that’s the point. Noise reduction, endurance and good gas mileage vs. OH MAN GO REAL FAST REAL HIGH REAL HARD.
We were outside in SW White Center when it went over, it might not of been loud, but we all noticed it.
About two months ago during the daytime I saw a C-17 heading south over Alki Point at about 500ft. I watched it head straight down the sound – I’m assuming for a landing at JBLM. It was fairly quiet…the attraction was the low altitude of such a large plane – very cool to watch.
Thanks so much for posting. Found out my cousin was flying her C17. Bummed I missed it. So proud of her. She’s amazing, as are all those who serve!
I think something like this flew over at 2:20 am this morning – low, slow and loud for a long time coming and going. Got up and saw it from the deck. The dog thought it was thunder.
Sorry, comment time is over.
| 8 COMMENTS