F-16 Executes Headbutt Maneuver to Clear Airspace Near Mar-a-Lago
A civilian pilot steered a plane out of a temporary flight restriction zone after a military jet flew directly in front of the aircraft on Saturday.
By David Almasi ·
An F-16 fighter jet flew directly in front of a civilian aircraft at approximately 12:20 p.m. ET on Saturday to clear restricted airspace near Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Florida. U.S. military officials confirmed the jet performed a tactic known as a headbutt maneuver to gain the pilot's attention. The incident occurred while President Donald Trump was in West Palm Beach to cast an early ballot for the upcoming midterm elections.
The North American Aerospace Defense Command, or NORAD, stated that the maneuver is a standard procedure used to establish communication with aircraft that have entered protected zones. In this specific instance, the close approach allowed the military jet to contact the civilian pilot. The pilot subsequently steered the plane out of the restricted area in compliance with flight instructions.
The civilian aircraft had violated a Temporary Flight Restriction, or TFR, established over the resort area. NORAD officials noted that the pilot could face federal authorities upon landing and might be subject to enforcement action. The Federal Aviation Administration issues these restrictions for various events, including large sporting events, extreme weather, and political gatherings attended by high-profile figures. Pilots receive updates on these restrictions through Notices to Airmen, or NOTAMs.
President Trump and First Lady Melania Trump arrived at a polling station in West Palm Beach on Saturday afternoon. The president cast his vote ahead of next week's general election. When asked if he voted along party lines, Trump replied, "Very much so." He then traveled to Georgia to attend a campaign rally.
The Mar-a-Lago interception follows a pattern of recent air defenses triggered by the president's campaign schedule. Earlier this month, NORAD reported that F-16s intercepted a plane over Clemson, South Carolina, where Trump was supporting Darline Graham's Senate campaign. A similar interception occurred days before that event over Cincinnati, Ohio, another location where the president had been scheduled to appear.
The FAA continues to monitor airspace around presidential stops and other major events. Military commands maintain readiness to deploy jets when unauthorized aircraft enter temporary flight restrictions. The Saturday incident marked the third such interception in recent weeks linked to the president's public appearances.
