The North American Aerospace Defense Command, known as NORAD, said Sunday that F-16 fighter jets responded after several aircraft breached temporary flight restrictions over New Jersey.
According to NORAD, its F-16s intercepted multiple general aviation aircraft that entered restricted airspace tied to temporary flight restrictions over Bedminster and East Rutherford, New Jersey.
In all, more than 10 general aviation planes flew into the restricted areas on Sunday, including three aircraft that NORAD said required interception.
NORAD F-16 fighter jets intercepted multiple general aviation aircraft that violated temporary flight restriction airspace over Bedminster and East Rutherford. File photo. (Getty Images)
During two of the intercepts, NORAD jets released flares to get the pilots’ attention, a maneuver that officials said may have been visible from the ground.
NORAD emphasized that the flares were used “with the highest regard for safety,” adding that they burn out rapidly and completely and do not pose a risk to people on the ground.
More than 10 general aviation aircraft entered restricted airspace on Sunday, including three that NORAD said it had to intercept. File photo. (Getty Images)
NORAD said all of the general aviation aircraft involved were safely guided out of the restricted airspace by its aircraft.
“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,” NORAD said.
All general aviation aircraft were safely escorted out of the area by NORAD aircraft. File photo. (Go Bum-jun/Newsis via AP, File)
NORAD urged pilots to check temporary flight restrictions before entering an airspace.
“Pilots: check your Notice to Airmen (NOTAMS) and FAA Temporary Flight Restrictions,” NORAD said.
