TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) F-16 fighter aircraft from the Continental U.S. NORAD region responded to multiple general aviation aircraft over Palm Beach, Florida on March 1, 2025.
Three civilian aircraft violated the same Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR). The first TFR violation occurred at approximately 11:05 a.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST), the second at approximately 12:10 p.m. EST and the third at approximately 12:50 p.m. EST. All three aircraft were safely escorted out of the area by NORAD aircraft.
During two of the intercepts, NORAD aircraft dispensed flares, which may have been visible to the public. The flares were used to draw attention from or communicate with the pilot. Flares are employed with the highest regard for safety, burn out quickly and completely, and pose no danger to people on the ground.
Aircrews are reminded to verify all FAA NOTAMs, especially in the Mar-a-Lago region.
NORAD employs a layered defense network of radars, satellites, and fighter aircraft to identify and respond to potential threats. The identification and monitoring of civilian aircraft demonstrates NORAD’s execution of its aerospace warning and control missions for the United States and Canada.