Fighter jets to swoop low in air show tests

A slew of aircraft will be flying lower and more frequently than usual around Long Island MacArthur Airport this week — but residents should not be alarmed, said Islip Town Supervisor Tom Croci.

The F-22 Raptor fighter jets, part of the F-22 Demo Squadron, will be performing test runs this week before the Bethpage Air Show at Jones Beach during Memorial Day weekend. MacArthur Airport will host the planes from Thursday to Tuesday, according to a letter to residents on the town’s website.

“These aircraft embody the best of America’s ingenuity, technology, and military might,” Croci wrote on the website, adding that the test runs will be short in duration.

According to the Bethpage Air Show’s website, the F-22 Raptor is the newest Air Force fighter jet.

More information on the F-22 Demo Squadron can be found by calling MacArthur Airport at 631-467-3210. Information on the Bethpage Air Show at Jones Beach can be found online at www.jonesbeachairshow.com.