NORAD reported that F-16s intercepted multiple general aviation aircraft that entered temporary flight restriction zones over Bedminster and East Rutherford, New Jersey. More than 10 aircraft entered the restricted airspace; three were intercepted and two of those encounters involved flares to gain pilots' attention. NORAD said the flares burn out quickly and pose no danger to people on the ground, and all aircraft were safely escorted out. Pilots were reminded to monitor emergency frequencies 121.5 MHz or 243.0 MHz during an intercept and to check NOTAMs and FAA TFRs before flight.
NORAD F-16s Intercept Multiple Aircraft Breaching Temporary Flight Restrictions Over New Jersey
NORAD F-16 fighter jets intercepted multiple general aviation aircraft that violated the temporary flight restriction airspace over Bedminster and East Rutherford. File photo.
The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) said on Sunday that its F-16 fighter jets intercepted several general aviation aircraft that entered temporary flight restriction (TFR) airspace over New Jersey.
According to NORAD, the restricted zones included areas over Bedminster and East Rutherford. More than 10 general aviation aircraft penetrated the TFR airspace that day, and officials said three of those aircraft required an intercept by NORAD F-16s.
More than 10 general aviation aircraft entered restricted airspace on Sunday, including three that NORAD said it had to intercept. File photo.
During two of the intercepts, NORAD pilots released flares to attract the attention of the aircraft crews; those flares may have been visible to people on the ground. NORAD emphasized the flares were used with safety in mind.
"The flares were deployed with the highest regard for safety, burn out quickly and completely, and pose no danger to people on the ground," NORAD said.
All affected general aviation aircraft were safely escorted out of the restricted area by NORAD jets, the command added.
All general aviation aircraft were safely escorted out of the area by NORAD aircraft. File photo.
NORAD advised that if its aircraft intercept a general aviation plane, pilots should immediately switch to emergency frequencies 121.5 MHz or 243.0 MHz and reverse course until receiving further instructions on one of those channels.
The command also urged pilots to review Notices To Airmen (NOTAMs) and FAA temporary flight restrictions before entering an airspace to avoid inadvertent violations.
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