NAVAL AIR STATION PATUXENT RIVER, Md. – Naval Air Station Patuxent River issued a noise advisory March 31, 2026, for testing activities scheduled that evening in St. Mary’s County.
Field Carrier Landing Practices, known as FCLPs, are set from 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. The maneuvers consist of simulated carrier landings that include a series of touch-and-go operations called “bounces.” Pilots practice precise control of airspeed, altitude and power to prepare for safe landings on aircraft carriers.
Residents in communities surrounding the base may notice increased noise levels during the two-hour period. FCLP training remains a standard requirement for naval aviators to maintain the precision and safety needed for carrier-based operations.
NAS Patuxent River serves as the Navy’s primary flight test center for aircraft and systems. The base conducts routine training and testing that supports fleet readiness. Officials stated that precautions are taken with all operations to reduce community impact when possible.
The advisory applies to areas near the airfield in St. Mary’s County, including parts of Lexington Park, California, Great Mills and other nearby neighborhoods. Similar advisories are issued when night operations or specific flight patterns are planned.
For additional information about the scheduled activities, residents can call the NAS Patuxent River noise information line at 1-866-819-9028. Current and future noise advisories are available online at https://www.cnic.navy.mil/PaxRiverNoise.
This evening’s FCLPs represent one of several routine training sessions conducted throughout the year at the base. The practices help ensure pilots can perform under conditions similar to those encountered at sea. Increased noise is most noticeable during the approach and departure phases of each touch-and-go.
Southern Maryland communities have coexisted with naval aviation activities at Patuxent River for decades. The base contributes significantly to the regional economy and supports thousands of military and civilian jobs. Local residents are accustomed to periodic noise from flight operations, particularly during daylight hours and scheduled night training.
No changes to the scheduled times were reported as of March 31, 2026. Weather conditions could affect the exact timing or duration of the FCLPs, as safety remains the primary consideration.
The Navy encourages residents with questions or concerns to use the dedicated noise information line rather than contacting base security or operations directly. Updated advisories are posted promptly when new activities are confirmed.
This advisory follows standard procedure for transparency with surrounding communities. Similar notices are issued for other high-noise events such as engine runs or low-level flight training when they are expected to be audible beyond the base perimeter.