On Saturday morning, a NORAD F-16 intercepted a plane that entered restricted airspace over Camp David while President Trump was present. Flares were deployed to gain the pilot's attention and the aircraft was safely escorted out. Authorities urged intercepted pilots to contact emergency frequencies 121.5 or 243.0 and reverse course until given instructions, and reminded aviators to check NOTAMs for TFRs before flying.
NORAD F-16 Intercepts Aircraft Over Camp David While President Trump Is Present — Flares Deployed, Pilot Escorted Safely
U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon jet maneuvers during aerobatic display in Singapore.
On Saturday morning, a NORAD F-16 fighter jet intercepted a small aircraft that entered restricted airspace over Camp David in Thurmont, Maryland, while President Donald Trump was at the presidential retreat, officials said.
A U.S. Air Force F-16 fighter in 2016
Camp David is protected by a permanent no-fly zone that is tightened with additional Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) whenever the president is in residence. NORAD detected the incursion and scrambled an F-16 to intercept the aircraft.
President Donald Trump leaving the White House on Marine One Friday evening.
The Defense Visual Information Distribution Service (DVIDS) said the fighter dispensed flares to attract the pilot's attention and then safely escorted the aircraft out of the restricted area. No injuries or damage were reported.
From the DVIDS release: "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."
The First Air Force, part of NORAD, posted on X that the interception over Thurmont, MD, resulted in flares being deployed and reminded aviators to check NOTAMs before takeoff to confirm current TFRs in their area.
Officials noted a similar interception occurred in June while the president was at Camp David; that pilot was also escorted away without incident. Authorities continue to emphasize preflight planning and compliance with published flight restrictions to avoid dangerous incursions.
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