F-16 fighters intercept plane that entered restricted airspace over D.C.
CBS News • • nation
Key Points:
- F-16 fighter jets intercepted a civilian aircraft that entered restricted airspace above Washington, D.C., safely escorting it out around 11:15 a.m., according to NORAD.
- The plane entered the DC Metropolitan Area Special Flight Rules Area (DC SFRA), a 33-mile radius zone requiring specific clearance, transponder, call sign, and air traffic control contact for entry.
- NORAD uses a layered defense system of radars, satellites, and fighter jets to identify and respond to unauthorized aircraft entering restricted zones.
- The DC SFRA contains a smaller Flight-Restricted Zone around Reagan National Airport, where only government and authorized commercial flights are permitted without special waivers.
- Interceptions of civilian planes in restricted airspace are common, especially around temporary flight restriction zones established to protect the president during travel.