PIKE COUNTY, Ohio — The Ohio National Guard will conduct UH-60 Black Hawk terrain flight training Thursday, September 3, 2026, in airspace over Pike County, generally along the Scioto River, according to a public advisory issued in coordination with local officials.
The exercise is scheduled to begin early in the morning. Numerous UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters will participate. Local first responders are coordinating as a resource. Officials have advised the public there is no reason for alarm.
Pike County Emergency Management and the Pike County Sheriff’s Office released details of the training, including safety guidelines for low-flying aircraft. Residents are asked not to approach or follow the aircraft, to stay indoors if possible and away from windows, to secure loose objects that could be affected by rotor wash, and to obey instructions from local authorities. Anyone who sees something concerning is asked to report it.
The Ohio Army National Guard has identified the Pike County Scioto River area as one of several training routes and areas for helicopter terrain flight operations. These flights typically occur between the ground surface and 500 feet above ground level and can include nap-of-the-earth flight, contour flight, low-level flight, and multi-ship operations. Helicopters assigned to Army Aviation Support Facilities in North Canton and at Rickenbacker International Airport in Columbus use such routes to maintain pilot and crew proficiency.
Training of this type supports the Guard’s dual state and federal mission, including readiness for disaster response, search and rescue, medical evacuation, and other missions that require low-level flight over varied terrain. Ohio National Guard aviation units have operated UH-60 Black Hawks since the late 1980s.
Pike County Sheriff Tracy D. Evans and county emergency management officials emphasized community cooperation. For more information, contact Pike County Emergency Management at 740-947-7346 or the Pike County Sheriff’s Office at 740-947-2111.
Officials thanked residents in advance for their understanding and support.
