FAA Says Pilot Was Warned Repeatedly

He apparently can't say they didn't warn him. The pilot of a television news helicopter faces possible license suspension, after busting a presidential TFR in Colorado Wednesday.

According KWGN-2, an F-16 was dispatched from Buckley AFB in Aurora to intercept "Airtracker 7," a Eurocopter AS350-B2 operated by Denver ABC-affiliate KMGH-7. The helo allegedly busted a 60-mile-wide no-fly zone centered on the US Air Force Academy near Colorado Springs, where President Bush was scheduled to make a visit.

How the incident unfolded is a bit puzzling. FAA spokesman Mike Fergus told the station controllers at Centennial Airport asked the pilot if he was aware of the TFR prior to departure. He answered in the affirmative... then proceeded to fly towards the restricted area.

As the helicopter drew closer to the airspace boundary, the pilot was once again warned against possible incursion... and again he acknowledged. Shortly after that, the helo entered the restricted area, and an F-16 was in the air.

Fergus said the F-16 circled the news helicopter "for several minutes" before the AS350 turned and exited the area. The pilot faces suspension of his license over the incident; at the very least, Fergus said, the pilot will be interviewed by federal officials, and the Department of Homeland Security.

FMI: www.tfr.faa.gov, www.thedenverchannel.com