Small Plane Violates Temporary Flight Restrictions Over LA During Presidential Visit
LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — A small aircraft "clipped the edge" of the temporary flight restrictions instituted in the skies above Los Angeles during President Barack Obama's visit Tuesday, NORAD confirmed.
The violation happened about 9:30 a.m. Tuesday morning, according to Lt. Cmdr. Bill Lewis at NORAD. When the violation occurred, there were two F-16s in the vicinity that were in the midst of a mid-air refueling, he said.
The violation appeared to be accidental and the intrusion happened away from the president, who was not in any danger.
The large aircraft spotted by the travel pool and others was the refueling tanker, not the aircraft in violation of the TFR, Lewis said.
Before the fighter jets reached the small aircraft, it had already departed restricted airspace and was allowed to continue on, he said.
President Obama is wrapping up a two-day visit to Southern California with a fundraiser for the Democratic National Committee and a visit to DreamWorks in Glendale.
