Pilots detained after violating president's airspace [View All]

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8/30/2005

Pilots detained after violating president's airspace

Light planes cross president's airspace
Ben Baeder, Staff Writer
Inland Valley Daily Bulletin

Air Force jets on Monday chased two small airplanes out of restricted airspace during the president's visit to Rancho Cucamonga, forcing them to land at area airports, authorities said.

"We did some things to get their attention, including in one case, dispensing flares," said Michael Kucharek, a spokesman for North American Aerospace Defense Command. "We had a fighter jet fly in front of him and drop the flares."

The roar of jets could be heard throughout the San Gabriel Valley as one of the pilots was chased off by F-16 Fighting Falcons. The man was piloting a Sunset Sport airplane and was forced to land at El Monte Airport at about 4 p.m, according to the El Monte Police Department and NORAD.

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The Federal Aviation Administration routinely puts out notices to notify pilots of restricted areas, FAA spokesman Donn Walker said. A notice released Monday morning notified those planning to fly small, privately owned aircraft to stay at least 10 miles away from Rancho Cucamonga, Walker said. Another part of the advisory told pilots to stay 10 miles away from Ontario International Airport, where the president's plane landed, Walker said.

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http://www2.dailybulletin.com/news/ci_2984550

Ben Baeder can be reached at [phone], Ext. 2703, or by e-mail at [e-mail].