If you see a helicopter flying unusually low over Summerlin or the northwest valley on Wednesday, Oct. 28, or Thursday, Oct. 29, there is no emergency. It is a planned training exercise by the federal government’s Nuclear Emergency Support Team, according to FOX5.
What’s happening
The U.S. Department of Energy’s National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) is running the two-day drill with its Nuclear Emergency Support Team, known as NEST. The team is made up of scientists and technical specialists who respond to nuclear or radiological threats, incidents and accidents.
Residents may notice two things:
- A Leonardo AW139 helicopter from NEST’s Aerial Measuring System, fitted with radiation-sensing equipment, flying at low altitude over Summerlin and the northwest valley.
- NEST response teams collecting water samples at public water facilities.
The NNSA said it announced the exercise ahead of time so people who spot the low-flying aircraft or the ground crews don’t become alarmed. The agency described the drills as routine preparedness work that keeps the teams ready for real-world events. No road or facility closures were announced.
What it means for locals and visitors
For most people, this is simply a heads-up: the helicopter noise and low passes are expected and are not tied to any incident. Las Vegas has seen similar NNSA flights before, including the radiation-baseline surveys flown over the Strip ahead of New Year’s Eve.
Driver tip: Expect a few riders and passengers in Summerlin to ask about the helicopter. No traffic impacts have been announced, but low-flying aircraft can be distracting, so keep your eyes on the road.