F16's Scrambled As Pilot, 75, Triggers Obama Alert

Platapus · 08-06-11, 09:36 AM

The FAA and the military have no sense of humour concerning prohibited air space.

It is the PICs responsibility.

Torplexed · 08-06-11, 10:23 AM

There was a similar incident in Seattle last year. A float plane who's pilot was unaware of the President being in Seattle for a fund-raiser wandered into restricted air space causing two jets to be scrambled from Portland. The resulting sonic bombs over populated areas set off quite a scare.

Going by TV news footage the pilot spent quite a few hours sitting at a table in the float plane airport with a Secret Service agent going over his flight plan, background and licenses.

breadcatcher101 · 08-06-11, 10:43 AM

You've got to admit those Piper Cubs are cute little planes, I am glad they didn't shoot Aunt Myrtle down.

Doesn't it seem a bit extreme to shut down private planes down within 30 miles where ever the president happens to be? I know of the post 9/11 thing and all but come on.

He came through not far from here recently and traffic was tied up and to top that our cell phones were jammed which didn't please me at all. What if I had to make an urgent call or something?

He has SS all around him for protection. That should be enough.

Platapus · 08-06-11, 10:45 AM

I remember flying civilian airplanes in South Korea. Not a good idea. The South Koreans have moving prohibited zones that they don't tell you about until after you violate them.

They kinda like to discourage private pilots in South Korea.

08-06-11, 11:49 AM

I'd like to know how much damage you could possibly do with a Piper Cub? I'm pretty sure even if you smashed it directly into the president it wouldn't hurt him.

kraznyi_oktjabr · 08-06-11, 11:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rilder

I'd like to know how much damage you could possibly do with a Piper Cub? I'm pretty sure even if you smashed it directly into the president it wouldn't hurt him.

Well plane itself may not be heavy enough but I'm pretty sure that it can carry enough explosives to do the job...

kraznyi_oktjabr · 08-06-11, 11:50 AM

Platabus could you as a pilot answer to small question? It was mentioned that there is restricted airspace of 30 miles in diameter. From edge of restriced airspace how long it would take for Piper Cub to reach center? If we assume that president is in that location and that aircraft is flying in relatively low altitude, how much warning time Secret Service would have?

Platapus · 08-06-11, 12:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kraznyi_oktjabr

Platabus could you as a pilot answer to small question? It was mentioned that there is restricted airspace of 30 miles in diameter. From edge of restriced airspace how long it would take for Piper Cub to reach center? If we assume that president is in that location and that aircraft is flying in relatively low altitude, how much warning time Secret Service would have?

First of all, it has been over 20 years since I last flew so I am not a knowledgeable source for the size of prohibited airspace. There are other members much more current and knowledgeable than I am on these.

Taking your 30 mile diameter circle as given, it would depend on the exact model of the J3. J3's had different engines. But let's assume an "average" J3 speed of between 65 and 75 knots

To get to the center of your 30 mile circle (15 mile) would take about 12 minutes. A little less if the pilot is diving and has no intention of surviving.

The payload of the J3 is about 500 pounds. That's a lot of explosive that could be carried.

Not saying that a J3 is the uber weapon of choice, but I would hardly dismiss the threat of a J3 in the hands of a dedicated Bad Guy.

Jimbuna · 08-06-11, 12:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Platapus

First of all, it has been over 20 years since I last flew so I am not a knowledgeable source for the size of prohibited airspace. There are other members much more current and knowledgeable than I am on these.

Taking your 30 mile diameter circle as given, it would depend on the exact model of the J3. J3's had different engines. But let's assume an "average" J3 speed of between 65 and 75 knots

To get to the center of your 30 mile circle (15 mile) would take about 12 minutes. A little less if the pilot is diving and has no intention of surviving.

The payload of the J3 is about 500 pounds. That's a lot of explosive that could be carried.

Not saying that a J3 is the uber weapon of choice, but I would hardly dismiss the threat of a J3 in the hands of a dedicated Bad Guy.

Rgr that....a cunning and effective method of delivery to someone determined to get past security measures already in place on the ground.

08-06-11, 09:36 AM	#1
Platapus Fleet Admiral Join Date: Oct 2006 Posts: 19,431 Downloads: 63 Uploads: 0	The FAA and the military have no sense of humour concerning prohibited air space. It is the PICs responsibility. __________________ abusus non tollit usum - A right should NOT be withheld from people on the basis that some tend to abuse that right.

08-06-11, 10:23 AM	#2
Torplexed Let's Sink Sumptin' ! Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Seattle, WA Posts: 5,823 Downloads: 43 Uploads: 0	There was a similar incident in Seattle last year. A float plane who's pilot was unaware of the President being in Seattle for a fund-raiser wandered into restricted air space causing two jets to be scrambled from Portland. The resulting sonic bombs over populated areas set off quite a scare. Going by TV news footage the pilot spent quite a few hours sitting at a table in the float plane airport with a Secret Service agent going over his flight plan, background and licenses. __________________ --Mobilis in Mobili--

08-06-11, 10:45 AM	#4
Platapus Fleet Admiral Join Date: Oct 2006 Posts: 19,431 Downloads: 63 Uploads: 0	I remember flying civilian airplanes in South Korea. Not a good idea. The South Koreans have moving prohibited zones that they don't tell you about until after you violate them. They kinda like to discourage private pilots in South Korea. __________________ abusus non tollit usum - A right should NOT be withheld from people on the basis that some tend to abuse that right.

08-06-11, 11:50 AM	#7
kraznyi_oktjabr Sea Lord Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Republiken Finland Posts: 1,803 Downloads: 8 Uploads: 0	Platabus could you as a pilot answer to small question? It was mentioned that there is restricted airspace of 30 miles in diameter. From edge of restriced airspace how long it would take for Piper Cub to reach center? If we assume that president is in that location and that aircraft is flying in relatively low altitude, how much warning time Secret Service would have? __________________ You talk to God, you're religious. God talks to you, you're psychotic. - Dr. House

08-06-11, 10:43 AM	#3
breadcatcher101 Captain Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Southeastern USA Posts: 546 Downloads: 1 Uploads: 0	You've got to admit those Piper Cubs are cute little planes, I am glad they didn't shoot Aunt Myrtle down. Doesn't it seem a bit extreme to shut down private planes down within 30 miles where ever the president happens to be? I know of the post 9/11 thing and all but come on. He came through not far from here recently and traffic was tied up and to top that our cell phones were jammed which didn't please me at all. What if I had to make an urgent call or something? He has SS all around him for protection. That should be enough.

08-06-11, 11:49 AM	#5
Rilder Stowaway Posts: n/a Downloads: Uploads:	I'd like to know how much damage you could possibly do with a Piper Cub? I'm pretty sure even if you smashed it directly into the president it wouldn't hurt him.