NORAD and USNORTHERN Command Intercept Transgressing SportPlane

Two NORAD F-15 fighters got more slow-flight practice than they might have intended as they intercepted an RV-8 small aircraft in violation of a temporary flight restricted area near Chicago at 5:42 pm MDT, Friday. The aircraft landed in Aurora, IL, where it was met by local authorities.

The aircraft violated another in a series of unpopular Presidential TFRs that are becoming ever more frequent, larger and restrictive -- with electronic notice served to a pilot population that is expected to jump through quite a number of hoops in order to use their nation's airspace from minute to minute.

The TFR was generated when President Obama announced his intent to visit the Chicago Metropolitan Area from May 27th to May 31st, 2010. To 'ensure the airspace is secure' during this visit, extensive airspace restrictions were put in place around Chicago. The restrictions were 'designed to provide a safe and secure environment for the visit, but also ensure fair and equitable access to all airspace users to the greatest extent possible.'

Pursuant to 49 USC 40103(b), the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) classifies the airspace defined in this advisory and the published NOTAM as 'National Defense Airspace'. Pilots who do not adhere to the following procedures may be intercepted, detained and interviewed by law enforcement/security personnel.

The Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) reference point is located at 414714N/0873421W or the CGT358016.6 from the surface up to but not including 18,000 MSL and will consist of a 30NM outer ring and a 10NM inner core.

The TFR was in effect as of May 27th and continues until later today, May 31st. The FAA recommends that all aircraft operators check NOTAMs frequently for possible changes and updates to this TFR prior to operations within this region.

FMI: www.norad.mil, www.northcom.mil, www.northcom.mil/NNCBlog, www.faa.gov