NORAD F-16 deploys flares while intercepting aircraft near Camp David
THURMONT, Md. (7News) — A North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) fighter jet intercepted a civilian aircraft Saturday morning after it entered temporarily restricted airspace over Thurmont, Maryland, officials said.
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A NORAD F-16 intercepted the general aviation aircraft at about 7:50 a.m., according to a military news release.
The fighter jet deployed flares to attract the pilot’s attention or communicate with the aircraft. NORAD said the flares burn out quickly and completely and pose no danger to people on the ground.
The civilian aircraft was safely escorted out of the restricted area. No injuries or damage were reported.
President Donald Trump was at Camp David when the airspace violation occurred. Trump arrived at the presidential retreat near Thurmont on Friday night for a weekend stay, according to published reports.
NORAD advised pilots intercepted by military aircraft to immediately tune their radios to emergency frequency 121.5 or 243.0 and reverse course until receiving further instructions.
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The Continental U.S. NORAD Region, based at Tyndall Air Force Base in Florida, oversees the air-defense mission.