But It Wasn't Easy!

In an aerial match-up between an F-16 and an Aeronca Champ, who do you think might win?

Not so fast... not when you consider the Champ is... not so fast.

As President Bush spoke to a crowd of Floridians at Space Coast Stadium in Viera (FL), Robert Hargrove (below, right) of Wappingers Falls (NY) was flying from Brunswick (GA) to Boca Raton (FL) on a course that took him almost directly over the stadium.

"We heard afterburners (halfway through the event) and there was an F-16 at low altitude turning sharply, north of the stadium," said Mike Whaley, who, along with his wife, attended the GOP stadium rally on Saturday.

"Then, a yellow Aeronca heading south, following I-95, appeared, about a third of a mile east of the stadium. The F-16 had two fuel tanks and at least two AIM-9's on wing pylons, and was having a very difficult time dealing with the Aeronca," Whaley continued. "The fighter was just too fast and kept having to circle, and when he flew past he wouldn't have had much time at all to wave or gesture."

Whaley said he learned later that the pilot of the Aeronca saw the F-16 driver shoot flares at least three different times. Still Hargrove continued his course towards the heart of the TFR.

"A few moments after the plane passed the stadium, it was over the Brevard County Government complex, about a half-mile south of the stadium and made a 180 degree turn towards the west." That, he said, took the Champ right back over the stadium.

"The F-16 was now orbiting to the south," Whaley told ANN, "apparently he realized he couldn't stay too close to the Aeronca and [that] the noise was disrupting the rally. The plane then flew about an eighth of a mile to the west of the stadium on the way back to the north."

Hargrove, eventually got the message and was escorted to Merritt Island Airport, where he landed and was questioned by authorities.

"I'm sure I'll be hearing from some others, including the FAA," Hargrove said as he got ready to leave Merritt Island for Boca Raton. He told Florida Today that he wasn't aware of a TFR covering Brevard County and had flown near the stadium to see what all the hubbub was about.

FMI: www.tsa.gov