CF-18 Hornet fly-by over TD Place freaks out Ottawa residents

The Royal Canadian Air Force and the Ottawa Redblacks' ownership group have bothapologized after aCF-18Hornet fly-by duringThursday night's CFLgamein honour of Canadian Armed Forces appreciation nightscared residents.

The fighter jet flew over TD Place Stadium in the Glebe and Old Ottawa South neighbourhoods as the CFL game was getting underway.

The RCAF said it flew no lower than 152 metres above the highest point of its route before returning to 3 Wing Bagotville.

"Folks, we regret that anyone was unaware of this fly-by in advance," the air force tweeted.

"A public service announcement did go out to all media Tuesdaymorning. In addition, we also put it out on our Twitter three days in a row, and on Facebook twice. We do 'tag'media on Twitter and Facebook, but there is a lot of news for them to choose between."

"Unfortunately clearly some people were not aware, and we regret any upset or inconvenience that may have been caused for some of you."

Redblacks also apologize

Ottawa Sports and Entertainment Group, which owns the Redblacks, also issued a statement acknowledgingthat while they followed proper protocols to get approval for the CF-18 fly-bythe teamcould have better notifiedpeople who livenear TD Place Stadium.

"All CFL teams hold one such ceremony once per season and our focus was on doing our best to let [Canadian Armed]Forces members know we support them and to give our fans an opportunity to salute them," said CEO Bernie Ashe in the statement.

"In hindsight, we should have done a better job of taking into account the ceremony's impact on surrounding neighbourhoods.For that, we apologize."

The Redblackstweeted Thursdaynight they had permission from the city's bylaw office before setting up the fly-by during the game, which saw Ottawa beat Montreal 39-17.

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