F-16 fighter jets took to the air to make an interception over Washington DC at around 11.15am today after a civilian aircraft violated restricted airspace
Military aircraft were deployed over Washington DC today, generating a loud “sonic boom” that was heard by local residents. The F-16 fighter jets launched an interception mission at around 11:15 am after a civilian plane breached the secure airspace.
The sonic boom occurred as the jets rushed to guide the aircraft away from the protected zone over the US capital. The airspace above Washington DC is monitored under the Special Flight Rules Area, making it one of the most rigorously controlled zones in the world.
To prevent unauthorised entries within this 30-nautical-mile radius, pilots are required to adhere to rigorous protocols and remain in continuous contact with air traffic control. The US Air Force has confirmed that the fighter jets were deployed to intercept the “general aviation aircraft”, which was subsequently escorted away from the restricted location, reports The Mirror.
It also reminded pilots to be aware and keep up-to-date on areas with restrictions including around Washington DC and Mar-a-Lago in Florida where Donald Trump has his home.
North American Aerospace Defence Command (NORAD) wrote on X: “Earlier today, NORAD F-16 fighter aircraft from the Continental U.S. NORAD Region safely intercepted a general aviation aircraft that violated #FAA restricted airspace over the United States National Capital Region, and escorted it clear of the area without further incident.
“Pilots are reminded to check all #FAA Notice to Airmen (NOTAMs) and FAA Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs), including in the National Capital Region and Mar-a-Lago regions.”
A statement from NORAD also read: “Should NORAD aircraft intercept a general aviation aircraft, the pilot should immediately come up on frequency 121.5 or 243.0 and turn around to reverse course until receiving additional instructions on one of those frequencies.
“NORAD employs a layered defence network of radars, satellites, and fighter aircraft to identify and respond to potential threats. The identification and monitoring of the civilian aircraft demonstrate how NORAD executes its aerospace warning and control missions for the United States and Canada.”
The reminder to pilots comes due to frequency of planes drifting into restricted areas. There have been multiple similar cases in recent months of planes entering into prohibited airspace where Donald Trump has been staying.
Last September there were reportedly six unauthorised planes which entered restricted airspace over Bedminster, New Jersey, over just one weekend while Donald Trump was staying at his golf course.
And it led to NORAD being activated with jets investigating the trespass and intercepting the plane. In the incidents over Bedminster they were all small private aircraft which were directed away from the Trump National Golf Club, according to the US Air Force, which intercepted one of the planes with F-16 fighter jets.
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