Overview
- NORAD said the violation occurred at about 9:20 a.m. EST on Dec. 21, prompting an F-16 intercept over the Palm Beach area.
- Fighter pilots executed a “headbutt” maneuver to get the pilot’s attention and then escorted the aircraft out of the restricted zone.
- Officials reported the incident ended safely with no injuries and no further escalation.
- The FAA’s VIP Temporary Flight Restriction spans 30 nautical miles around Palm Beach and is scheduled to remain in effect through Jan. 4, 2026, at 6:30 p.m.
- NORAD reminded general-aviation pilots to check FAA NOTAMs and TFR details at tfr.faa.gov as part of its layered radar, satellite, and fighter response posture.