Jets Scrambled For NORDO Aircraft In CA, DC

Two NORDO airplanes ... on in California and one in DC, have drawn the attention of NORAD over the past few days. Both airplanes eventually re-established radio contact, and left restricted airspace without incident.

The west coast incident occurred Sunday about about 1148 PST over Ventura, CA. A Cessna 172 lost radio communications, prompting NORAD to scramble a pair of F-16s, according to television station KXTV in Sacramento. The fighters were asked to stand down after the pilot re-established communications. The flight continued to its intended destination of Oakland, CA, where the pilot was questioned after landing. FAA spokesman Michael Jazdyk said it was not known if he would face any charges for the incident.

Earlier in the week, NORAD reports that Two F-16 fighter aircraft under the direction of North American Aerospace Defense Command intercepted a general aviation aircraft that was out of radio contact in the vicinity of the National Capital Region at approximately 1215 EST December 28th. The civilian aircraft re-established communications and was allowed to continue on its way without incident.

NORAD's mission – in close collaboration with homeland defense, security, and law enforcement partners – is to prevent air attacks against North America, safeguard the sovereign airspaces of the United States and Canada by responding to unknown, unwanted and unauthorized air activity approaching and operating within these airspaces, and provide aerospace and maritime warning for North America. NORAD may be required to monitor, shadow, divert from flight path, direct to land and/or destroy platforms deemed a potential threat to North America.

FMI: www.norad.mil