A North American Aerospace Defense Command F-16 intercepted a general-aviation aircraft after it entered a Federal Aviation Administration Temporary Flight Restriction over Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Florida, on 24 October. The incident occurred at approximately 12:20 p.m. local time while Trump was in the area. The civilian pilot established communication and left the restricted airspace safely under instructions.
The F-16, assigned to the Continental US NORAD Region and deployed from Tyndall Air Force Base, used a standard “headbutt manoeuvre” to attract the pilot’s attention. The fighter flew closely in front of the aircraft, enabling the civilian pilot to establish radio contact with the military aircraft.
NORAD instructs pilots intercepted in this manner to contact emergency frequency 121.5 or 243.0 MHz and reverse course until receiving further directions. Pilots who violate the restriction may be met by federal authorities after landing and could face enforcement action.
The identity and aircraft type of the civilian aircraft were not disclosed. NORAD has reported more than 60 interceptions involving aircraft violating flight restrictions around Palm Beach since Trump returned to office for his second term.