NORAD Fighter Escorts Oblivious Civilian Planes Away From Mar-a-Lago

On March 1, the skies over Palm Beach saw a series of tense moments as three separate civilian aircraft violated the Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) around Mar-a-Lago. Each of the unauthorized flights was intercepted by F-16 fighter jets from the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), with two requiring flares to get the pilots’ attention.

The first incident occurred at 11:05 am when a single-engine Cessna 172 entered the 10-nautical-mile restricted zone surrounding Mar-a-Lago. NORAD detected the aircraft and immediately scrambled two F-16 Fighting Falcons from Tyndall Air Force Base, roughly 450 miles away. The fighter jets intercepted the Cessna at 5,000 feet and escorted it west, out of the restricted airspace. The pilot complied without issue, and the airspace was cleared by 11:20 am.

Less than an hour later, at 12:10 pm, a Piper PA-28 Cherokee came in for a sequel by breaching the eastern edge of the restricted zone at 4,000 feet. This time, NORAD’s response included not only a rapid fighter jet interception but also the use of a flare. The Cherokee pilot, after getting an unmistakable visual cue, turned north and exited the TFR by 12:25 pm before landing at Palm Beach International Airport under FAA supervision.

The day’s grand finale came at 12:50 pm, when a Beechcraft Bonanza A36 entered the TFR’s southern boundary at 6,000 feet. By this point, the NORAD pilots were well-practiced. Two F-16s, refueled mid-mission by a KC-135 Stratotanker, intercepted the aircraft within minutes. Another flare was deployed and the pilot quickly altered course, exiting the restricted area by 1:05 pm and landing at Boca Raton Airport.

NORAD and FAA officials emphasized the importance of pilots checking NOTAMs (Notice to Air Missions) before flights, particularly in areas with active TFRs. “Adherence to TFR procedures is essential to ensure flight safety, national security, and the security of the President,” said Gen. Gregory Guillot, NORAD commander. He noted that the frequency of recent violations has been “excessive” compared to the typical number.

While these incidents were resolved safely, they serve as yet another reminder that TFRs are not optional. Pilots flying in restricted areas should expect swift responses—and possibly a half-cool, half-terrifying private airshow from a heavily armed F-16.

FMI: www.norad.mil