Pilot scolded for getting too close to Air Force One: 'Pay attention'
Share this @internewscast.com

(The Hill) — A Spirit Airlines pilot received a warning from air traffic control (ATC) operators on Tuesday for flying in close proximity to Air Force One, the official plane for President Trump.

Spirit flight 1300 was traveling from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport to Boston Logan International Airport. The exchange with ATC took place as the planes flew over Long Island, New York.

“Spirit 1300, turn 20 degrees right, vectors, traffic in descent. Say intentions, Spirit 1300, turn 20 degrees right. Spirit 1300, turn 20 degrees right now. Spirit wings 1300, turn 20 degrees right immediately,” the air traffic controller instructed, according to Boston local news source WCVB. 

Once the pilot acknowledged the directive, the controller said to “pay attention.” 

“Spirit 1300, traffic is off your left wing by 8 miles, [Boeing] 747. I’m sure you can see who it is,” the controller added, referencing Air Force One. 

As per the flight tracking service Flightradar24, both aircraft were moving side by side with an 8-mile separation and were on trajectories that could lead to converging at 11 miles apart, as noted by CBS News.

President Trump, accompanied by first lady Melania Trump, was traveling from Joint Base Andrews in Prince George’s County, Maryland, to London. They landed in the UK on Tuesday evening in preparation for Trump’s engagement with King Charles III and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Wednesday. 

“Spirit Airlines flight 1300 (FLL-BOS) followed procedures and Air Traffic Control (ATC) instructions while en route to Boston (BOS) and landed uneventfully at BOS,” a Spirit spokesperson told The Hill. “Safety is always our top priority.”

The Hill has also reached out to the White House and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for comment.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Thanksgiving Weather Alert: Parade of Cold Fronts Set to Bring Cooler Temperatures

ORLANDO, Fla. – Residents of east Central Florida have been basking in…

Urgent Search: Wisconsin Woman Involved in 2014 Slender Man Stabbing Case Reported Missing

MADISON, Wis. – In a troubling turn of events, Morgan Geyser, the…

Hope Reignites: Pope’s Visit Sparks Anticipation for Reopening Istanbul’s Historic Greek Orthodox Seminary

Pope Leo XIV is gearing up for his inaugural international journey, with…

Donald Glover Opens Up About His Unexpected Stroke: A Candid Revelation

Donald Glover recently shared insights into a health crisis that led to…

Red Cross Extends Support to Marion County Family Following Devastating House Fire

MARION COUNTY, Fla. – A house in Citra was engulfed in flames…

Orlando Airport Braces for Influx of Nearly 2 Million Thanksgiving Travelers

As the skies clear following the recent government shutdown, Orlando International Airport…

Off-Duty Monroe County Sheriff’s Employee Faces DUI Charges Following Crash

An off-duty employee of the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office has been taken…

Union High School Football Coach Turner Reported Missing: Authorities Intensify Search Efforts

Union High School’s head football coach, Travis Turner, has been reported missing…

Leesburg Residents Express Growing Concerns Over Increasing Gridlock on US Highway 441

LEESBURG, Fla. – While U.S. Highway 441 in Leesburg might appear peaceful…

Fatal Cumberland, Ky. Shooting: One Dead, Suspect Faces Charges

In the early hours of Saturday, a tragic incident unfolded in Kentucky,…

Asian Markets Rally: Wall Street’s Positive Momentum Spurs Global Gains

BANGKOK – Asian stock markets largely experienced gains on Monday, while U.S.…

Breaking News: Bristol Double Homicide Suspect Surrenders to Authorities After Intense Manhunt

In Bristol, Tennessee, a suspect has been apprehended in connection with a…