A North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) F-16 fighter intercepted a general aviation aircraft on Saturday morning after it entered restricted airspace around the Camp David resort in Maryland, as US President Donald Trump was staying at the resort for the weekend.
Aircraft intercepted and escorted away from the area
NORAD fighter aircraft intercepted an aircraft that violated restricted airspace over Thurmont, Maryland, resulting in the release of warning flares.” The command said the flares released during the interception might be visible to the public, explaining that they are used to attract the pilot’s attention or establish communication during the operation.
Safety measures around restricted airspace
It added that they are used “with the highest regard for safety”, burn quickly and completely, and pose no danger to people on the ground. The airspace over Camp David is subject to a permanent no-fly zone.
Temporary and expanded restrictions on aircraft movements in the area are also imposed when the US president is at the resort, broadening the aerial security measures around the site during presidential visits. The Air Force urged pilots to check Notices to Airmen, commonly abbreviated as “NOTAMs”, before take-off to obtain the latest information on temporary flight restrictions in force along their routes and avoid entering restricted airspace.
Trump arrived at the presidential resort in Maryland’s Catoctin Mountains on Friday evening and is expected to remain there until the end of the weekend, according to the US newspaper the New York Post.
