115th Fighter Wing Will Conduct Evening Training Flights
Wisconsin Air National Guard pilots will fly F-35 jets over Madison for training sessions this week.
Updated on Sept. 20, 2026 in Air Travel
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Do you accept increased evening aircraft noise for military readiness in your community?
The 115th Fighter Wing will conduct evening training flights using F-35 fighter jets from September 21-24, 2026. Residents in the Madison area will notice increased aircraft noise during these nighttime operations.
Why it matters
Nighttime training flights are essential for pilots and maintenance personnel to maintain overall operational readiness. These exercises ensure the unit remains prepared for mission requirements while utilizing specific flight paths designed to minimize noise for the surrounding community.
Training flights are scheduled to conclude daily by 9:30 p.m. Personnel utilize standardized flight paths across Madison to limit the decibel impact on residential neighborhoods.
The players
115th Fighter Wing
This unit is a component of the Wisconsin Air National Guard based in Madison that conducts aerial training missions.
The details
Pilots and ground crew from the 115th Fighter Wing conduct these drills to meet critical readiness benchmarks required for the Air National Guard. The exercises leverage the capabilities of F-35 fighter jets during night conditions, necessitating adjusted noise management protocols for the city.
Timeline
Training flights occur from September 21-24, 2026.
Nightly operations conclude at approximately 9:30 p.m.
Travel Outlook
These training cycles demonstrate the integration of the F-35 Lightning II program within the regional Air National Guard. The shift to modern fighter technology requires consistent nightly proficiency drills that distinguish current operations from legacy aircraft training patterns.
Residents in the Madison area should prepare for elevated noise levels during the evening hours of the four-day training period. No changes to ground transit or commercial flight schedules are expected as a result of these exercises.
The takeaway
Maintaining operational readiness requires consistent night training for personnel operating high-performance aircraft. Residents can monitor local government or military notices for any future adjustments to the flight training calendar.
Further reading
For more information on regional aviation activity, visit our Air Travel section.
Live Poll
Do you accept increased evening aircraft noise for military readiness in your community?
