Small Engine Airplane Circling at Night

[inOttawa99]

Recently there has been a small engine aircraft circling at low altitude over west Ottawa at odd hours, and it circles for typically 45 to 60 minutes. For example, this morning it circled from about 5:30 a.m. to 6:15 a.m. Does anyone know if there is a way to identify who is operating the aircraft? Would Nav Canada be the right contact? Any info. is greatly appreciated! Thanks!

[SmokinJoe]

Try flight aware.

[frozen solid]

That was me. Sorry I'll cut it out if it's bothering you.

[CpnCrunch]

Do you live near an airport? Sounds like someone is maybe just doing night circuits.

[trey kule]

If it is bothering you, I have a new line of super powerful lasers available

[Pop n Fresh]

Did they move on from Toronto for a while?

viewtopic.php?f=54&t=92148

[GUMPS]

It's the cops. What did you do....

[GyvAir]

The greater half of Ford Nation was in Ottawa last week..

[ScudRunner]

If it is a VFR aircraft it would not appear on flightaware.com, seeing that the poster is a first timer with one post I would surmise that they are not too familiar with aviation and are just curious as to whats going on.

So here are some ideas

1. if you live near an airport its possible a pilot who requires some more night time for a licence is doing circuits building time before heading to work.

2. Eye in the sky plane checking on traffic.

3. RCMP flying around looking for grow ops/surveillance with FLIR (however they usually are much higher)

4. UFO and you should probably remove the battery from your cell phone and stomp on the sim card they are coming for you!

[DanWEC]

If you are over "West Ottawa" you are likely quite near or just north of the airport. Regardless, there are no circuits (which is basically circling directly over the airport) allowed at YOW at night before 8am out of respect to nearby residents. The control tower won't allow any so that isn't what's happening.
The entire area over the city is strictly controlled airspace, so whatever the plane is doing, it's actions, altitudes, and headings are with direction from the control tower, and completely legal.

[inOttawa99]

Thanks, guys. Probably it is the RC looking for grow-ops. Like they have nothing better to do. (I guess they don't!) I'll keep digging.

[1000 HP]

Have you paid your taxes? It could be a CRA drone..

[W0XOF]

Nav Canada will not divulge any of that info. Regardless if it's GA aircraft, police etc.

[linecrew]

That would be these guys. They do it all the time.

http://www.airport-data.com/aircraft/C-GMJF.html

[CpnCrunch]

Here's the job posting:

http://www.avcanada.ca/forums2/viewtopi ... &view=next

"duties include: general patrol, surveillance, drug interdiction, search and rescue missions, major project investigations, traffic management, level 5 VIP escorts, and environmental assessments. He/she will also assist other police services and agencies as directed."

I guess they can't afford a helicopter.

[Dash-Ate]

Was Rob Ford in the area?

^ I see someone beat me to it...

[station60]

Why does it matter? If you live near an airport then expect there to be airplanes in the sky.

[linecrew]

Why does it matter? If you live near an airport then expect there to be airplanes in the sky.

Actually they tend to orbit for extended periods of time over areas not by the airport. The characteristic whistle of the Cessna 206 orbiting over people's houses even a few thousand feet up have irked a few people. It's not the usual NIMBY crowd. It doesn't bother me but you definitely know who is up there when you hear it....not exactly covert.

[no name]

I saw/heard it too and noticed it seemed to be over Kanata around Glen Cairn (around Hazledean mall) and Bridlewood. It was at the same time the police were looking for the missing 17 yr old and I thought it might be related...

http://www.ottawacitizen.com/news/year+ ... story.html

OTTAWA — The Ottawa Police service is seeking the public’s assistance in locating missing 17-year-old Donovan Birtch, who has been missing since 9 p.m. on Feb. 27, 2014. Birtch was last seen in the Springwater drive and Steeplechase drive area of Kanata.

The missing teen is described as a white male, approximately 5’ 8”, 120 lbs, English speaking, with shaggy brown hair and no facial hair. He is wearing a grey winter jacket, blue jeans, cut off T-shirt, black tuque and black running shoes. It is believed that Birtch may be in the Kanata or Bells Corners area.


Anyone with information is asked to contact the Ottawa Police Service at 613-236-1222, ext. 2912, or Crime Stoppers at 613-233-8477 (TIPS) or toll free at 1-800-222-8477.

[Tired5]

While this is an old posting, I came across it while searching the same issue myself and so I thought I would update it. There is currently an airplane flying in circles overhead and what a terrible whine to be subjected to at 2 in the morning. It seemed suspicious so I called the ottawa police and they said that it's the Ottawa Police plane. If you ever want to check, their number is 613-230-6211.