4 ms·

I feel like there has to be a lot of stories similar to this where people got really close to getting shot down. Rare but not completely uncommon .. or is this

I feel like there has to be a lot of stories similar to this where people got really close to getting shot down. Rare but not completely uncommon .. or is this truly a unique story?

goodcanadian 4y ago
I really doubt that he was all that close to being shot down. I actually doubt fighters were scrambled or missiles armed. They might have been if he had entered restricted airspace, but from the story, it sure sounds like he did not. Even if he did enter restricted airspace, the threat would have been assessed, actions taken, and so on. Perhaps, he might have even gotten a fighter escort out of restricted airspace. Shooting down a plane over a populated area is going to be an absolute last resort.
alistairSH 4y ago
It’s a normal, but infrequent, occurrence in locations where POTUS or other VIPs are frequently located. DC has permanent restrictions. Camp David temporary restrictions when POTUS is in residence. Restrictions are also placed around major sporting events (Super Bowl), though I’m not sure if those are for fear of somebody dive bombing the stadium or for the other reasons (events often have military fly-bys, parachute displays, etc). I’ve listened to a few intercepts on the radio. They don’t shoot without a good bit of verification. Typically, the lost pilot gets a hint when they see the F-16 fly across their nose, or a USCG helicopter flies alongside, or ATC finally gets through to them.
- boringg 4y ago
  I have to think that the F-16 flying by the civilian - the pilot is probably having a relatively enjoyable time (as soon as they know it isn't a threat). It's like rolling up beside a toyata camry with a bugatti veyron (insert your choice super car).
  - alistairSH 4y ago
    Not even close. The last thing a civilian pilot wants is an F-16 rolling up. If that happens, there will almost certainly be a LEO waiting at the nearest airstrip waiting to debrief them. And likely a suspension of their license. Many times worse than the “I have a phone number for you to call” you get from ATC after a “normal” screw up.

I feel like there has to be a lot of stories similar to this where people got really close to getting shot down. Rare but not completely uncommon .. or is this truly a unique story?

goodcanadian 4y ago

I really doubt that he was all that close to being shot down. I actually doubt fighters were scrambled or missiles armed. They might have been if he had entered restricted airspace, but from the story, it sure sounds like he did not. Even if he did enter restricted airspace, the threat would have been assessed, actions taken, and so on. Perhaps, he might have even gotten a fighter escort out of restricted airspace. Shooting down a plane over a populated area is going to be an absolute last resort.

alistairSH 4y ago

It’s a normal, but infrequent, occurrence in locations where POTUS or other VIPs are frequently located. DC has permanent restrictions. Camp David temporary restrictions when POTUS is in residence. Restrictions are also placed around major sporting events (Super Bowl), though I’m not sure if those are for fear of somebody dive bombing the stadium or for the other reasons (events often have military fly-bys, parachute displays, etc). I’ve listened to a few intercepts on the radio. They don’t shoot without a good bit of verification. Typically, the lost pilot gets a hint when they see the F-16 fly across their nose, or a USCG helicopter flies alongside, or ATC finally gets through to them.

boringg 4y ago
I have to think that the F-16 flying by the civilian - the pilot is probably having a relatively enjoyable time (as soon as they know it isn't a threat). It's like rolling up beside a toyata camry with a bugatti veyron (insert your choice super car).
- alistairSH 4y ago
  Not even close. The last thing a civilian pilot wants is an F-16 rolling up. If that happens, there will almost certainly be a LEO waiting at the nearest airstrip waiting to debrief them. And likely a suspension of their license. Many times worse than the “I have a phone number for you to call” you get from ATC after a “normal” screw up.