New York Air Traffic Control Issues Stern Directive to Pilots Amid Air Force One Proximity
New York’s Air Traffic Control was compelled to instruct pilots of a Spirit Airlines flight to “cease using their iPad” as they veered perilously close to Air Force One.
The incident unfolded on Tuesday as the commercial flight traversed New York state and demonstrated a lack of compliance in responding to four critical directives aimed at altering its course.
The controller, increasingly exasperated by the civilian aircraft’s inaction, repeatedly commanded the flight to execute a right turn to avert intersecting with the path of the presidential aircraft.
In an urgent plea, the unnamed controller remarked, “Spirit 1300, turn 20 degrees right, vector for traffic in descent. Pay attention. Spirit 1300, turn 20 degrees right.”
With no acknowledgment from the pilots, the frustration escalated, leading to a blunt command: “Spirit 1300, turn 20 degrees right now.”
This incident gained traction after a user on the social media platform BlueSky, identified as xJonNYC, shared the exchanges widely.
The controller’s increasingly irritated demeanor was apparent as he endeavored to apprise the pilots of the imminent VIP aircraft they were instructed to evade.
“Spirit 1300, traffic’s off your left wing by six miles – or eight miles, 747, I’m sure you can see who it is. It’s at flight level 320; you maintain 330,” he cautioned. “Keep an eye out for me, white and blue.”
The mention of “white and blue” refers to the distinctive color scheme of the Boeing 747 serving as Air Force One, specifically modified to facilitate the US president’s communication and security requirements during air travel.
The event transpired on Tuesday morning as the passenger flight navigated over Long Island on its journey from Fort Lauderdale to Boston Logan International Airport. Fortunately, there are no indications of safety violations or any jeopardy posed to the president’s security during the encounter.
At that time, Air Force One was departing from Washington, D.C., en route to London in advance of Donald Trump’s momentous second state visit.
Donald Trump Arrives in London for State Visit
Donald Trump touched down at Stansted Airport on Tuesday night, expressing his gratitude for the “great honour” of being received by his “friend,” the King, at Windsor Castle.
Among those present to welcome the US President as he disembarked from Air Force One was Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper, complemented by a formation of RAF personnel from The King’s Colour Squadron, who provided a ceremonial guard of honour.
On Wednesday, Trump visited Windsor Castle, which featured a grand ceremonial welcome and an opulent state banquet in his honour. However, the president’s itinerary lacks public-facing engagements, with significant protests anticipated against his two-day visit.
Source link: Express.co.uk.
