Low-flying planes map parts of Northwestern California

An aircraft contracted to be operated by the U.S. Geological Survey will fly low for about a month starting around Aug. 21, 2024, mapping parts of northwestern California.

The survey area includes coastal towns from Humboldt Bay in the south to Crescent City in the north. The flights will cover Eureka, McKinleyville and Crescent City with the goal of collecting and recording geological survey data. The survey also includes Redwood National and State Parks, and eight tribal land areas.

Anyone who observes the low-flying aircraft need not be alarmed. The contractor will follow all guidelines set by the Federal Aviation Administration, and the aircraft will be flown by experienced pilots who have received specific training for low-altitude flights.

The aerial survey is designed to remotely study geological units below the Earth’s surface. It is part of an ongoing USGS program to identify hidden features such as changes in rock types, ultimately providing a better geological understanding for regional earthquake and tsunami hazard assessments.

The investigation will be conducted by the Yurok Tribe’s Condor Aviation in partnership with Xcalibur Multiphysics. The aircraft is operated by Xcalibur Multiphysics in Ontario, Canada, and the company is working with the Federal Aviation Administration to ensure the flight is safe and in compliance with U.S. law.

The Yurok Tribe worked with the U.S. Geological Survey to obtain permission to fly over tribal lands within the survey area.