F-16 intercepts aircraft near Trump's golf course

An F-16 fighter jet was scrambled to intercept a civilian aircraft that violated airspace restrictions above Trump's golf club.

The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) reported that a civilian aircraft entered the temporary flight restriction (TFR) area above President Donald Trump's golf club in Bedminster, New Jersey, around 2:39 p.m. on 4/7. This was the fifth airspace violation above the golf club that day.

NORAD deployed an F-16 fighter jet to intercept the intruding aircraft. The F-16 pilot performed a close approach and head-on intercept to get the civilian pilot's attention. The fighter jet then escorted the civilian aircraft safely out of the restricted airspace.

An F-16 fighter jet at a US airbase in Spangdahlem, Germany in 2020. Photo: AFP

An F-16 fighter jet at a US airbase in Spangdahlem, Germany in 2020. Photo: AFP

The airspace above the golf course in Bedminster is closed whenever President Trump is present. The president spent that weekend in Bedminster.

"Pay attention to the notices if you are piloting an aircraft in any area near Bedminster, New Jersey. There are no excuses. Be alert, obey the law, and stay away from the restricted airspace," advised the First Air Force unit of NORAD.

NORAD has reported several similar incidents in recent weeks and is urging pilots to check all notices before taking off in the area.

President Donald Trump's Bedminster Golf Club in Bedminster, New Jersey. Photo: Trumpnationalbedminster.com

President Donald Trump's Bedminster Golf Club in Bedminster, New Jersey. Photo: Trumpnationalbedminster.com

In March, NORAD reported that its fighter jets released flares to attract the attention of a civilian aircraft pilot who appeared near President Trump's Mar-a-Lago residence in Palm Beach, Florida. US fighter jets then escorted the aircraft out of the restricted airspace.

The airspace above Trump's Mar-a-Lago residence is designated a permanent no-fly zone. This area is expanded to a 55 km radius when the president is at the residence.