UPDATE 10/15 P.M.: Video of the Canadians taking off from the Arcata Airport. —Kym Kemp

UPDATE, 9:10 p.m.: “They’re Canadian Air Force Hawks,” says Humboldt County Airport Manager Emily Jacobs. “The American version is called a Goshawk. They’re just stopping over for the night. They did some fancy flying upon arrival because our instrument landing system is amazing and they are equipped with the technology to use it. I can’t wait to see what they do for us when they take off in the morning.” —Hank Sims

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No one wants to claim the military style aircraft (see video above for a view from nearby) touching down at the Arcata/McKinleyville airport and taking off again immediately.  An employee at the airport described the quick set down/take off and said that employees were told that this was the Air Force or the Coast Guard practicing touchdowns.

“We don’t know whose jets they are. Those aren’t Coast Guards jets,” explained the Coast Guard spokesperson. “We’d definitely be addressing it if it was something to be concerned about,” he added comfortingly. He acknowledged that he had received around multiple calls about the event but said that he had no information.

Real News of the North Coast generously provided the above video and has another on their page as will as a photo.

So, Humboldt, got any ideas of what’s happening?

UPDATE 8:50 P.M.: Photo provided by Jesse Miles on our Facebook page.

Miles said this photo was taken about 7 P.M..  ”Two of them landed and seemed to be staying,” she said.