US fighter jets intercepted general aviation aircraft near President Donald Trump's golf course after they violated temporary flight restrictions in the area. The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) said its F-16 fighter jets intercepted the aircraft over Bedminster, New Jersey, on Sunday, August 9. Two aircraft were involved in the incident.
Flight restrictions in place
The flight restrictions were in place over the Bedminster area, where Mr Trump was expected to spend the weekend, Fox News reports. His golf club hosted the LIV Golf New York tournament from August 6 to 9.
The interception was captured on video and showed the moment the F-16 fighter jet closed in on a small aircraft near Jefferson Township, outside Bedminster. The aircraft were escorted out of the restricted area by NORAD aircraft, officials said.
Enforcement of restrictions
Ahead of Trump landing in New Jersey, NORAD said that it would enforce multiple Federal Aviation Administration-established temporary flight restrictions over the region for the weekend. Temporary flight restrictions are issued to limit aircraft operations in specified areas for presidential movements, major sporting events and national security worries, among other things.
General aviation pilots were reminded to check Notices to Airmen before every flight for the information on airspace restrictions and other flight protocols.
