The Air Force intercepts restricted-zone aircraft near Mar-a-Lago
Concern about the well-being of President Donald Trump has been at an all-time high since taking office.
In addition to the traditional concern about any president, this one has garnered more than the usual controversy during his time in the public eye, as The New York Post reported.
These concerns were precipitated by the two assassination attempts made on him during his campaign, one of which made contact with the then-candidate's ear, nearly going through his skull.
To make matters worse, the Air Force has located a shocking number of unpermitted aircraft around the president's Florida home.
From the Military
On Sunday, a civilian aircraft was intercepted by Air Force fighter jets in the temporarily restricted airspace near Donald Trump's Florida residence, bringing the total number of violations to over 20 since the president assumed office on January 20.
F-16s deployed pyrotechnics to attract the attention of the civilian pilot during Sunday's incident, according to a statement from the North American Aerospace Defense Command. The incident occurred as Trump completed a round of golf at his West Palm Beach golf course.
Additionally, jets worked to intercept an offending craft on Saturday morning shortly after Trump arrived at the golf course from his private Mar-a-Lago club and residence.
Airspace Restriction
Officials have reported that the airspace intrusions in the heavily congested south Florida airspace have resulted in fighter aircraft intercepts, but they have not affected Trump's schedule or security.
According to NORAD, the flares may have been visible from the ground; however, they are not a threat as they flame out rapidly.
A permanent flight restriction over Trump's club is enforced by federal officials, which is extended to a radius of 30 nautical miles when the president is in residence.
Violations and intercepts are relatively commonplace; however, NORAD is expressing concern regarding the frequency of intrusions since Trump's inauguration.
Reason for the Issues
The organization has responded to over 20 incidents and is attributing the problem to civilian pilots who fail to comply with regulations that mandate them to verify airspace restrictions prior to departure.
“Adherence to TFR procedures is essential to ensure flight safety, national security, and the security of the President,” Gen. Gregory Guillot, the commander of NORAD and US Northern Command said in a statement.
“The procedures are not optional, and the excessive number of recent TFR violations indicates many civil aviators are not reading Notice to Airmen, or NOTAMS, before each flight as required by the FAA, and has resulted in multiple responses by NORAD fighter aircraft to guide offending aircraft out of the TFR.”