The Smoky Hill Air National Guard Weapons Range is about 10 miles southwest of Salina Regional Airport (KSLN), and if your travel plans include flying through the area, be advised. On Thursday, June 6 (ironically, the 69th anniversary of D-Day), the Salina Airport Authority will host a safety briefing for pilots concerning this summer’s scheduled live-fire exercises at on the 51-square-mile range.
Led by Major Todd Kavouras, the briefing will outline safety procedures for pilots transitioning the busiest and largest such facility in the country, with more than 100 ground targets, as well as electronic warfare exercises. The range is host to joint air and ground live fire exercises, designed to train for coordinated use of air and ground ordnance. It is designated as Restricted Area R-3601A, adjacent to the Smoky Military Operating Area (MOA), both of which are within close proximity of the airport.
Salina, built in 1942 as a B-17 training base, is a popular refueling stop for cross-country traffic. The safety briefing will be held at 4:30 p.m. local time at Hangar 600 (2720 Arnold Ave.). More information is available on the Salina Airport Authority website at salinaairport.com.
