Jets intercepted 2 planes Nov. 1-2 during Trump’s trip to Palm Beach

Five civilian pilots violated the restricted airspace over President Trump’s Mar-a-Lago Club during a recent visit.
NORAD jets intercepted two of the five aircraft, a spokesperson said.
The total number of airspace violations during Trump’s Palm Beach trips has now reached 37.
The FAA issues temporary flight restrictions for all aircraft during each of the president’s visits.

The North American Aerospace Defense Command intercepted planes flown by two of five civilian pilots who violated the restricted airspace over President Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago Club during his most recent trip to Palm Beach, a NORAD spokesperson said.

Three pilots violated the airspace on Nov. 1 and two on Nov. 2, the spokesperson said. There were no violations on Halloween, when Trump arrived in Palm Beach for his 12th trip to Mar-a-Lago since taking office Jan. 20.

“NORAD pilots safely and professionally intercepted the violators, and the incidents were resolved quickly through normal procedures,” the spokesperson said.

The total number of violations for the temporary flight restrictions that accompany each of Trump’s trips to Palm Beach is now 37, he said.

The Federal Aviation Administration issues temporary flight restrictions for each of Trump’s visits to Palm Beach. The restrictions apply to all aircraft, including commercial and general aviation aircraft.

When pilots violate the restrictions, air traffic controllers try to contact them to warn them to leave the area. If they do not respond, NORAD jets are sent to intercept the wayward aircraft. After flying next to the planes, jet pilots tip their wings and may release flares to get the offending pilot’s attention. NORAD is responsible for monitoring and defending North American airspace.

The NORAD spokesperson reminded pilots to check notices to airmen, or NOTAMs, before each flight and then follow all restriction procedures as required by the FAA.

“If required, NORAD fighter jets will respond to aircraft violating and take the necessary action to gain compliance, a scenario we encourage all pilots to avoid,” the spokesperson said.

The temporary flight restrictions when Trump comes to Palm Beach differ from the recently implemented temporary flight restriction that is in effect when the president is not at Mar-a-Lago. That restriction went into effect Oct. 20 and will remain in effect through at least Oct. 20, 2026, according to the FAA notice. It effectively creates a 1 nautical mile no-fly zone over Mar-a-Lago.

The FAA on Nov. 3 issued a notice cautioning pilots that another set of presidential-level temporary flight restrictions will be issued for Nov. 7-9.

Kristina Webb is a reporter for Palm Beach Daily News, part of the USA TODAY Florida Network. You can reach her at [email protected]. Subscribe today to support our journalism.

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