F-35s take off from Burlington

SOUTH BURLINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) Four F-35 fighter jets that made an unexpected pitstop in Vermont departed Friday morning, and that departure was more noteworthy than the visit. People got their first listen at the sound the planes make on takeoff, a key concern for many that live and work near the airport.

"Once we responded and parked the airplanes, there was a lot of excitement on the base. Our airmen were interested in it, the community was interested in it," said Vermont Air National Guard Col. David Smith.

Excitement, and some initial confusion. But Smith says the Guard was full of pride once four F-35 fighter jets landed on Wednesday. He says the takeoff and flight path Friday will be similar to when the F35s land in Vermont this September. "What I saw is really reflective of the F-35, how we'll be flying it," he said.

Which may not be the best news for some residents who live in parts of Chittenden County projected to have high noise levels.

Read more: https://www.wcax.com/content/news/All-ears-in-Burlington-peeled-for-takeoff-of-F-35s-510632801.html