US /

Jets Scramble After Planes Violate UN Airspace

Incident occurred around the time of Obama's speech
By Newser Editors and Wire Services
Posted Sep 25, 2012 1:32 PM CDT
Jets Scramble After Planes Violate UN Airspace
Two US Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron jets, better known as Blue Angels, are seen from Liberty State Park in Jersey City, NJ in this file photo.   (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)

Two fighter jets scrambled today after two small aircraft violated airspace restrictions in place for the UN General Assembly gathering of world leaders close to the time President Obama was speaking. North American Aerospace Defense Command spokesman John Cornelio said the F-22s intercepted the small planes during two separate incidents over New Jersey around 11am.

The Federal Aviation Administration said the pilots did not radio for permission to enter the airspace. It took one plane 20 minutes to exit and the other 14 minutes. They were forced to land at Central Jersey Regional Airport. The FAA will investigate before deciding whether to punish the pilots. FAA spokesman Jim Peters said the temporary no-fly zones were established around the New York City area because of the UN meeting. (More pilot stories.)

Get the news faster.
Tap to install our app.
X
Install the Newser News app
in two easy steps:
1. Tap in your navigation bar.
2. Tap to Add to Home Screen.

X