On: New engine design could muffle roar of fighter jet...

[bdamm]

They do need to train in the airspace. Would you want pilots unfamiliar with the terrain to show up when they’re needed in a hurry?

[WalterBright → bdamm]

When I lived in Germany in the late 60s, it was commonplace to see NATO fighters hedge-hopping over the countryside. My dad said the Germans didn't complain about it, they knew why the fighters were training that way.

[celrod → bdamm]

I assume they were responding to:

  And if you have fighter jets buzzing by, the least of your problems is noise.

I.e., they meant their primary concern with pilots familiarizing themselves with the terrain is the noise, rather than any risk of imminent danger.