LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — The U.S. Department of Energy’s National Nuclear Security Administration is scheduled to conduct low-altitude helicopter flights over the Las Vegas Strip and other areas of town during the New Year's Eve holiday weekend.
These flights will measure naturally occurring background radiation, according to a news release, and take place on Saturday and Dec. 31.
A twin-engine Bell 412 helicopter will fly in a grid pattern over the areas at 150 feet or above at a speed of approximately 80 mph.
Flyovers will occur only during daylight hours.
The measurement of naturally occurring radiation to establish baseline levels is a normal part of security and emergency preparedness, according to the NNSA.
The department conducts these surveys each year in Las Vegas before the city’s New Year’s Eve celebrations and said it's putting out this notice for the public not to be alarmed if they see low-flying aircraft related to these flights.
More information about past flights by NNSA's Aerial Measuring System is availablehere.
