NNSA to conduct aerial radiation assessment surveys over Chicago ahead of the Democratic National Convention, August 13-15

WASHINGTON - The U.S. Department of Energy's National Nuclear Security Administration (DOE/NNSA) will conduct low-altitude helicopter flights over downtown Chicago, Illinois, Tuesday, August 13 through Thursday, August 15, in support of the 2024 Democratic National Convention.

NNSA's Nuclear Emergency Support Team (NEST) aircraft will measure background radiation as part of standard public health and safety preparations.

The public may see a twin-engine Bell 412 helicopter, which is equipped with radiation sensing technology. The helicopter will fly in a grid pattern over the areas at 150 feet (or higher) above the ground at a speed of approximately 80 mph. Flyovers will likely occur only during daylight hours and are estimated to take approximately two hours to complete.

These surveys are a part of preparedness activities to support security and any potential emergency response. NNSA is making the public aware of the upcoming flights so citizens who see the low-flying aircraft are not alarmed.

For more information and video footage of NNSA's Aerial Measuring System, click here.

NEST is part of NNSA's Office of Counterterrorism and Counterproliferation and is an element of the nation's nuclear or radiological emergency response capability.