NORAD intercepts multiple aircraft violating restricted airspace over Bedminster, East Rutherford
NEW JERSEY — NORAD fighter jets intercepted multiple general aviation aircraft Sunday after they violated temporary flight restrictions over Bedminster and East Rutherford, officials said.
According to the North American Aerospace Defense Command, more than 10 general aviation aircraft entered restricted airspace on July 19, with three of those violations requiring intercepts by NORAD F-16 fighter aircraft.
During two of the intercepts, the F-16s dispensed flares to attract the pilots’ attention. NORAD said the flares were used with the highest regard for safety, burn out quickly and completely, and posed no danger to people on the ground. The flares may have been visible to the public.
All of the aircraft were safely escorted out of the restricted airspace by NORAD.
Officials reminded pilots that if intercepted by NORAD aircraft, they should immediately monitor emergency frequencies 121.5 or 243.0 MHz and reverse course until receiving additional instructions.
The temporary flight restrictions were in effect over Bedminster and East Rutherford. The Continental U.S. NORAD Region, based at Tyndall Air Force Base in Florida, led the mission.
NORAD encourages general aviation pilots to review temporary flight restrictions before flying. More information is available at norad.mil/General-Aviation.
