DRAPER, Utah – In a powerful statewide act of remembrance, the Utah Army National Guard will honor the 25th anniversary of Sept. 11, 2001, with Operation Friday Night Flights, a coordinated flyover of 29 high school football stadiums in a single night. The tribute is designed to connect the memory of 9/11 with the unity of Utah communities and the precision and professionalism of the Utah Army National Guard.
Mission Overview
The concept ties remembrance to one of America’s most familiar and enduring traditions — Friday night football. From Ogden to Spanish Fork, communities across the Wasatch Front will pause together in a visible and meaningful act of reflection, service, and patriotism. The event seeks to honor those lost on 9/11, recognize the sacrifice and resolve that followed, and reflect the spirit of national unity Americans felt following Sept. 11, 2001.
Flight Details
Ten AH-64E Apache helicopters from the Utah Army National Guard’s 1st Battalion, 211th Aviation Regiment will conduct the mission, with 20 aircrew members flying five simultaneous routes over 29 high school games. Organized by the 1-211th, known as the “Air Pirates,” the operation represents a large-scale shared tribute that brings the Guard directly into communities across the state.
Operational Precision
Because all 29 games are scheduled to begin at 7 p.m., the flyovers will take place in a compressed 19-minute window, from 6:41 p.m. to 6:59:30 p.m. Each route is carefully planned, and each stadium crossing is timed to the second. Once airborne, the aircraft must maintain a fixed sequence and cannot slow down or reorder stops, underscoring the discipline, coordination, and professionalism required to carry out this tribute safely and successfully.
Commander's Statement
“Operation Friday Night Flights is more than an aviation training event. It is a statewide expression of remembrance — honoring 9/11 through unity, service, and precision — a reminder that 25 years later, we are still united in gratitude, resilience, and love of country.” Said Lt. Col. Robert Heightman, commander of the 1-211th Attack Battalion.
Flyover Schedule
Times below are 50-yard-line crossing times for each school and are grouped by flight route.
Route School City Flyover Time
Weber County West Field Taylor 6:48:30 p.m.
Weber County Fremont Plain City 6:51:00 p.m.
Weber County Weber Ogden 6:55:00 p.m.
Weber County Ben Lomond Ogden 6:58:00 p.m.
Weber County Utah Military Academy Ogden 6:59:30 p.m.
Davis County Syracuse Syracuse 6:47:30 p.m.
Davis County Northridge Layton 6:51:30 p.m.
Davis County Davis Kaysville 6:54:30 p.m.
Davis County Farmington Farmington 6:57:00 p.m.
Davis County Viewmont Bountiful 6:59:30 p.m.
Salt Lake East East Salt Lake City 6:41:30 p.m.
Salt Lake East Cottonwood Murray 6:45:30 p.m.
Salt Lake East Jordan Sandy 6:48:45 p.m.
Salt Lake East Corner Canyon Draper 6:51:00 p.m.
Salt Lake East Cedar Valley Eagle Mountain 6:59:30 p.m.
Salt Lake West Granger West Valley 6:44:00 p.m.
Salt Lake West Hunter West Valley 6:47:00 p.m.
Salt Lake West Cyprus Magna 6:50:00 p.m.
Salt Lake West Copper Hills West Jordan 6:54:30 p.m.
Salt Lake West Herriman Herriman 6:57:00 p.m.
Salt Lake West Providence Hall Herriman 6:59:30 p.m.
Utah County Skyridge Lehi 6:41:00 p.m.
Utah County Lone Peak Highland 6:44:0 p.m.
Utah County American Fork American Fork 6:45:30 p.m.
Utah County Pleasant Grove Pleasant Grove 6:47:45 p.m.
Utah County Timpanogos Orem 6:50:00 p.m.
Utah County Orem Orem 6:51:30 p.m.
Utah County Provo Provo 6:53:30 p.m.
Utah County Maple Mountain Spanish Fork 6:59:30 p.m.
About the 1st Battalion, 211th Aviation Regiment:
The 1st Battalion, 211th Aviation Regiment, “Air Pirates,” is an AH-64E Apache attack helicopter battalion of the Utah Army National Guard’s 97th Aviation Troop Command, based in West Jordan, Utah.
Media Notes: Any questions please contact Lt. Col. Tambra West at ng.utngpao@army.mil.
