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F-16s intercept multiple planes violating Mar-a-Lago airspace

F-16s intercept multiple planes violating Mar-a-Lago airspace
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F-16 fighter jets | Wikipedia

F-16 fighter jets intercepted three separate aircraft violating restricted airspace over former President Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago residence on March 1, according to the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD). The incidents occurred in the late morning and early afternoon at 11:05, 12:10, and 12:50 local time.

Following Trump’s second term inauguration, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the US Secret Service activated temporary flight restrictions (TFRs) near his primary residence in West Palm Beach, Florida. These restrictions have been in place intermittently since 2019 due to Trump’s frequent visits.

NORAD responded to each violation by deploying multiple F-16 fighter aircraft from the Continental US NORAD region. All three violating aircraft were safely escorted out of restricted airspace. In two instances, F-16s dispensed flares to attract the pilots' attention; these flares pose no danger to people on the ground but may be visible to spectators.

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General Gregory Guillot, Commander of NORAD and US Northern Command, addressed these frequent violations: "NORAD and the FAA work closely together to keep the skies over America safe, with close attention paid to areas with Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFR). Adherence to TFR procedures is essential to ensure flight safety, national security, and the security of the President. "

Additional airspace violations have been reported recently. On February 18th and February 15th, similar breaches required action from NORAD fighter jets.

The TFRs around Mar-a-Lago are implemented whenever President Trump is at his residence. Due to their unpredictable nature in frequency and duration, FAA recommends operators check current NOTAMs while flying in this area.

The TFRs cover two circular zones around Palm Beach International Airport (PBI). The inner circle extends ten nautical miles from PBI up to an altitude of \17,999\ feet mean sea level; aircraft departing or arriving within this zone require TSA pre-screening without intermediate stops allowed. The outer circle covers thirty nautical miles permitting only local airfield traffic.

Heidi Williams., Senior Director of Air Traffic Services and Infrastructure at National Business Aviation Administration (NBAA), commented on these restrictions: "Operators must submit passenger and crew information ahead of time as it’s available.. TSA indicated that they would accommodate revised manifests as needed but asks that we minimize such changes to ensure adequate staffing at these screening facilities."

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