Photo: bpperry / iStock / Getty Images
Palm Beach, FL - Since former President Donald Trump resumed his visits to Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, military jets have been deployed multiple times due to civilian aircraft breaching restricted airspace.
These incidents, which have occurred 24 times since January, have led to direct intervention from the U.S. Air Force, raising concerns about pilot awareness and national security protocols.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) enforces Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) to secure specific airspace, similar to how road closures are used for safety during events.
Pilots are required to check Notices to Air Missions (NOTAMs) before each flight to stay informed about these restrictions.
Whenever Trump is staying at Mar-a-Lago, the no-fly zone expands significantly, creating a 30-nautical-mile restricted area.
This restriction, designed for security purposes, is enforced by the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) in collaboration with the FAA and the U.S. military.
NORAD has confirmed that fighter jets have been scrambled 24 times in Palm Beach County due to unauthorized aircraft entering restricted airspace.
In at least eight cases, Air Force F-16 fighter jets intercepted and escorted pilots away from the zone.
To alert pilots violating airspace restrictions, the military sometimes deploys flares—bright signals that burn out quickly and are visible from the ground.
If a pilot does not respond, a more forceful maneuver known as a "head butt" may be used, where a fighter jet moves directly in front of an unauthorized aircraft to redirect its course.
Flying into restricted airspace can lead to steep fines, license suspensions, and even criminal charges.
In severe cases, if a plane is considered a potential security threat and refuses to comply with military commands, lethal force may be authorized.
"We work hard to ensure each situation ends safely," said Steven Armstrong, NORAD's vice director of operations, in an interview with WPTV.
However, he stressed that protecting the airspace surrounding a former president is a top national security concern, and unauthorized aircraft put both military personnel and civilians at risk.
Deploying fighter jets is expensive, with each response costing at least $50,000 in taxpayer money, according to Armstrong.
Despite repeated warnings, pilots continue to violate restricted airspace over Mar-a-Lago.
Authorities urge all aviators to carefully review NOTAMs before flying to avoid severe penalties and potential confrontations with the military.