Nothing happened, so there is a problem.......

Most people don't know theat when the presidents airplane is on the ground there is a 30 MILE restricted airspace around it you can't fly in.

The economic impact on the general populace is tremendous. I'm an aerial photographer, and twice I have had to cancel flights when GWB was in Maine . Maybe you don't need a couple of thousand $$, but I can use it.....

Before 911, it was 5 miles, 3000 vertical.

This woman is obviously a threat to national security - I mean she's GOTTA be some kind of subversive Islamist -- so they will throw the book at her.

If she really was Islamic, they be kissing her ass for interrupting her flight. ---No profiling here!

Actually, if they WERE profiling, this would be a non-story.

The F16s would fall out of the skies at the speed she was flying.

OR DID THEY!? ;)

She is waayyyy too cool; I imagine that she's got one heck of a life story to tell. Still passion for life, and plenty of pennies to live it....

Cougar, if you're looking for any cubs......

Radar was first used in 1941 so this woman has litteraly flew under the radar. Only 10 years ago Air farce one only had a 5 mile restricted zone(5-30 mile zone increased area by a factor of 36) so a little antique 50mph plane like this could only have been in front of the plane and easily avoided. Flyers like this usually like to fly over mountians and lakes not over citys. The 30 mile zone is 2827 square miles, depending on the wind it could have taken her almost an hour if she wanted to fly directly to air farce one.

Just goes to show you, DONT fcuk with Obama when he's doin what he does best.

I give that lady credit..she loves to fly even at the age of 75. But she was flying with radio off...so either reimburse for the F-16's or lose you flying license.

You can get up front and shake his hand without going through a metal detector but you can't fly within 30 miles of him......hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm.

Definitely the on ground security has to be tightened.

Don't bet money the SS didn't strip search her.

Don't bet money the SS didn't strip search her.

Ewwww!

She probably thinks the police are just waiting to flash their lights and blare their sirens at her because her car is so cute, too. The woman may be an experienced flyer but she lacks common sense. Ground her.

She was probably flying in what is normally uncontrolled airspace. Violations of temporary flight restrictions is not that uncommon. The real issue of concern is that she apparently had no idea she'd been intercepted. If the F-16s continued to follow her until she landed, they may have thought she understood. She mentioned one of the jet pilots being "respectful" when he pulled in front of her. That is the signal for "You have been intercepted, follow me." The pilot wasn't being nice, he was giving her an instruction.

Fighter pilots fly training sorties all the time, so making an issue of the cost of the intercept seems a little stupid. The real issue is that she seems to believe because she is old, wealthy, and has a "cute" little plane, that she doesn't have to worry about following the rules. Her actions risked her own safety and the safety of others.

I agree that NORAD was impolite in releasing her age.

And she doesn't need her license revoked people, just a reprimand on her license.

Those of you who want her punished in some way need to understand how rediculous you are. To punish this woman simply because she violated the airspace and no other consideration seem to want a totalitarian government. While I understand the need for the president's security it is not the only concern. This woman is of another era. She is a citizen and is the reason for the president's job, not the other way around. It was an easily understood mistake and if you cannot see that, I fear you.

Kudos to the old lady. 30 miles is too much airspace for any one man. While I'd hate to see anything happen to the plane, we spend too much on our leaders' security. Perhaps if they weren't so busy screwing all of us over, they would not need so much protection. If they're really that worried, maybe it's time to restrict him and his family to Washington, where they're safe. It would save trillions.

TSA wasn't interested in her because she didn't have any drugs for them to take away from her.

I her aircraft was not even required to HAVE a radio unless it was to be flown into controlled airspace. The airspace she was in would have been uncontrolled airspace on almost any other day. She cannot be faulted for having her radio off.

For all you folks that think she's "cute" or "cool", do you remember Andrew Joseph Stack? No? He's the jerk that crashed his airplane into the IRS building in Austin.

So while you might coo and say "isn't she adorable", the threat she MIGHT have posed was quite real. She should be prosecuted fully.

And the 30 miles around A1 (that's Air Force One), was created during W's admin, though to be honest it might have been imposed by the USSS without consulting the President. So those that want to get their digs in and claim that "Obama's declared war on little old women" or such, pack your mendacity away.

They can't revoke her certificates, the form she filed more then likely was a NASA form. Which gives you immunity from punishment from unintentional violations when flying.

http://www.jumplawgroup.com/nasaform.htm

If she normally checked for restrictions before a flight, and she intentionally skipped it because "her computer was broken", then she admits that she was aware of possible restrictions.

I am sure there is a toll-free phone number to check restrictions and weather conditions before a flight, when one's "computer is broken".

This woman perfectly demonstrates what America used to be before liberal media turned us into candya**es . I long for the day when all my neighbors were more like her .

I think you solved it Matlock. She intentional broke the no fly zone to draw out our fighters so she could take pictures of our technology for KGB. She is a sleeper cell and doesn't know the cold war is over.

God bless her. Keep flying sweet heart!

She is a threat, Ritdog. She is a registered Republican! /sarcasm

FC CO Heaven - You are exactly the kind of person I like to meet in Government jobs. A real rules kind of guy. I always sue if I don't get to do what I want to do and I always win. I always win because I can get people like you to make stupid mistakes outside your perceived power zone.

This is the kind of thing people learned how to do before sitting on a couch to fly a plane or race a car. Or play a guitar with buttons.

Rose if was 76 I'd marry you. Keep it up and keep young.

I can't believe the comments saying this lady should be reprimanded for this. She obviously posed no threat whatsoever. As for the cost of the jets flying to intercept her, does anyone consider the cost on taxpayers that Obama's fundraiser caused?

God, the cuteness of grandma flying her antique airplane thinking the F-16's are admiring it, is so interfering with my better judgment.

I think the government should be reprimanded for bothering one of their citizens.

Patriot Act and all the others laws protecting them are simply to instill more power in their hands and control people's lives. The fact that rank and file officers don't question their superiors actions, with regard to fines and penalties, when situations like this occur (IE when no viable threat existed.) scares the hell out of me. It shows those people are quickly approaching or are at 'goon' level and would step on grandma's neck at their boss' say so rather then protect the public at large.

Nothing to see here folks.

Just ol' Zero making Lenin proud.

Don't be too hard at the old lady. Obama should be "focusing like a laser" on the jobs LIKE I have heard for the last two years- while the country falls apart.

Instead he and his elite liberal friends paying $38K for a dinner with him. Who the hell pays $38K (annual salary for some) to sit with a guy with NO "Gravitas" missed that term from the liberal media from GWB days..........

Mean liberals are willing to punish one "white" old lady but will let MEXICANS invade our border- and let MUSLIMS past the TSA checkpoints checking themselves- while we have to get molested.

Something is wrong with you liberals who want blood here. yet you are all blind to the other serious problems that YOU LIBERALS CREATED IN AMERICA.

The real problem here for the VFR pilot like her is that unless there is no fly zone on the map, she is under no obligation to study up on when there is a special new military or presidential exorcise,--basic right away for a VFR plane, having even more rights would be a hot air balloon.--( a far more serious bomb carrier)--some military low level "simulated attack routes" (high performance), is clearly marked but apparently not this one THAT DAY, which did not follow those map markings and altitude at all, they could be the ones to being punished here, depending on altitude and speed, which has to be less than 250 Knots, she most likely was not at or above 12,500 feet with a Cub!!.--I used to use one of those to tow a flare target for the sidewinder jet rockets lopck on testing for F 104 , in Denmark 40 years ago, so I do know a lot about such a suprice in the air to see them coming in at 3-400 Knots, behind my little wings.

This entire situation, is almost completely opposite on facts, than all the ranting here about payments etc.

She will never hear from FAA, there is nothing for them to say!--in fact they might have send her an apology due to scaring her with high performance fast jets getting way too close (turbulence)--as long as she was not over said restrictions on the map.

And she can start from her own field, and she would not know if any "superiore" plane is in town!

--as long as in Chicago she obeyed (stayed out of and below or above the controlled airspace for the 3 city airports--not a thing they can do, in fact they are the ones who look stupid here, since they do not have a system that works for VFR, to inform them about the event.-Like around here you must fly around West point, and that is not easy if you like to fly over the river to NYC, over which there is almost no VFR airspace.

And you do not have to have a navcom on as long as you are out of controlled airspace!--so stop the ranting, or take a pilots licence!

PS; I COULD GET MOST OF THE RANTERS HERE TO LOVE A CUB, IN JUST ONE DEMO FLIGHT--or how about a steerman, on a hot day like these--closer to heaven, in more ways thgan one!

The title for this article should be:

Community collapses comment

Seriously - She's upset that they printed her age. How shallow can you get!? Temporary license suspension and fine to cover at least part of the expense of the F-birds.

I wouldn't fine her a damn dime, I'd fine NORAD and home land security for not being able (STILL) to identify a valid threat. They can tell how fast she is going and at the speed of an F-16 they could have waited an hour and let her fly directly at Obama before scrambling F-16's. Screw them, it's a 60mph aircraft. Them not being able to identify a real threat is the problem just like everything else home land security Bull Shiznit does. They are pathetic and the biggest waist of tax dollars around. They would also love to have you think that those damn F-16's were not already air born and flying around. They didn't scramble any 9000$ emergency stand by's, they re directed these guys to investigate.

Nice post Bundgaard.

Out of all the ridiculous comments on this ridiculous event, yours is the dumbest. You really think she was serious about her age being printed? You are a non bright silly, paranoid person. Yes, she made an error, and the alert system worked. No harm, no fowl. An unfortunate event, but my tax dollars did something right for a change. I am happy to help foot the bill. A slap on the hand is fine by me. (and yeah, I was in NYC when the towers went down, so don't give me the get with reality stuff)

She won't even hear another word about this from anyone. This is a none event.

Perhaps if zobama would stop dividing the country, he wouldn't need to have so many security people looking over their shoulder ..........

Perhaps if zobama would stop dividing the country, he wouldn't need to have so many security people looking over their shoulder ..........

I don't think Obama was the one who walked into the office with the declared purpose of making the other side fail. This is another case of the witch leading the witch hunt.

"To make matters worse, "I didn't have my radio on. I was just flying around," she said."

Since she is a Republican, I suppose she needs to pay for the services... smile :-)

at least tsa didn't strip search her;-)

stevef2222-2057034

It's never too late... smile :-)

As a pilot there's no accuse for being this unprepared...75 isn't senile it's still quite capable and from this woman's comments she seems careless and clueless.

Wonder if she would have been so nonchilante if she had gotten shot down?

Grandma gets intercepted by fighter jets protecting the president, but 10 years ago NOTHING was done to protect citizens during the terrorist attacks.

10 years ago commercial airliners legally logged out of international FAA certified airports flying in unrestricted airspace didn't raise any suspicions...nut.

This womans biggest concern was that NORAD released her age? She thought they were checking out the cuteness of her plane? Really? You can almost sense the disbelief and anger in comments in the article from the military

@ FC CO Heaven, all planes, trains, motor vehicles, nuclear power plants, dams, guns, a levy and or even the methane emitted out of the cows that you live so close to are potential threats. Sadly, it's only important when a high ranking political official is within range of their threat. Yeah, some idiot made a suicidal statement with a small plane before, so what. We've become a nation of cowards who'll readly sacrifice our freedoms and our finances to protect the well being of one solitary man, because of his station in life. The President isn't a God, he's simply a American man doing a job for the American people, what's next, a no drive zone for our postal carriers, no that would be ridicules; yet, are they any less a man or woman doing their job for the American people. Yeah, he's the Commander and Chief, but there are plenty of subordinates who would readily fill those shoes as needed. What has happened to this innocent woman represents what we're losing via a steady attrition. I was in Los Angeles when Clinton came to the Nixon funeral, it pretty much shut the surrounding cities down for the entire day. Chicago probably had the same issue, how's that supposed to boost the economy, it doesn't. Think about it, O'Hara Field shut down for the day!

With any President this would have and should have happened. Having said that, now, leave her the hell alone! I'll bet the President, when he is told will agree. It would be akin to taking legal action against "Snoopy". The lift "Myrtle" has given everyone is without calculation. What a "hot" 58 years she is! A true lady!

There is absolutely NOTHING more terrifying in the world today than a 75 year old woman flying around in her 1941, J-3 Piper Cub on a clear, sunny day.

To people posting that she was negligent for having her radio turned off-- some classes of aircraft are not even required to have a radio on board (as long as they are flying in "uncontrolled" airspace or certain classes of "controlled" airspace). The area she was flying in was still technically uncontrolled airspace, even though it was currently restricted, so no crime was committed there. She has a radio because she chooses to have one, not because it's mandatory. Here's a bit:

"Radio participation in the TRSA is voluntary, though recommended, and the airspace within the TRSA maintains its original class designation."

From: http://www.aopa.org/asf/publications/sa02.pdf

Her only misstep was in not calling the control station to determine if there were any restrictions-- but considering that she flew daily in the same space, I can understand her lack of vigilance. She assumed that day would be like any other day she flew-- i.e. unrestricted, uncontrolled airspace for her to tool around in. This would be comparable to driving my jeep through the Rio Puerco (a dry river valley full of great off-roading) and was stopped suddenly by a tank and told that day the area was off-limits because Obama was releasing some hot air.

Sure.

You see the small plane was going 50 miles per hour and the f-16's were going approximately 300 miles per hour. Now if the jets are headed towards the plane then they will intercept at a certain point because of the difference in speed. That would be how the jet would intercept a plane that is only flying 50 mph. Now once intercepted, decisions are made weather to shoot it down or try to deter it from its flt path. If you aren't sure of anything else, please just ask, we can help you with these little things that are really confusing.

@Barry-Moore - But since the f-16's didn't shoot her down don't they just disappear into some parallel universe somewhere?

Now if the jets are headed towards the plane then they will intercept at a certain point because of the difference in speed.

if the jets are headed towards the plane then they will intercept at a certain point regardless of the difference in speed,not because of it.

It's not easy!

Really fast.....

Ron- not if the f-16s were coming from behind the little plane. Then difference of speed would matter. Logic would say that at some point they would intercept from behind since planes only fly forwards and can't stop in mid air.

read above to your prior post.

Barry -- your explanation may be wasted on your audience.

LOL, I think your right.

It's a 'double post'...it happens sometimes when someone puts something up. Happened to me on more than one occasion.

They just circle it and observe and report on it.

"Intercept Definition-to take, seize, or halt someone or something (on the way from one place to another.) Cut off from an intended destination."

I believe the right word here should be intersect as the jets weren't able to stay up with the little cub at 50 mph they would have dropped their big bully buttts right out of the sky. So their paths crossed or intersected!

Now some government employee will feel that they have to set the record straight and this little 75 year old lady should be made to pay for her misdeed.

Maybe we should make her give President Obama a Ride in the Cub!! GO GRANDMA!!!

What is the problem here?:

The jets interecept her with radar or whatever about 50 miles out. They can slow to 250 or so by putting their landing gear down, and putting out their speed brakes, making the plane "dirty" .

Yes, they will wallow a lot, but they can cruise by her relatively slowly to get a look . Very simple. It's kind of like landing, without the runway.

actually its called slow flight, just above a stall.

Kind of like passing an Amish buggy with a Porsche.

actually its called slow flight, just above a stall.

I've spent hours practicing slow-flight in a Cessna 172, I wonder what it's like in an F16! ;-)

-OCP

At OCP...same thing...except faster. On slow intercepts, we typically don't go below 200...with our gear or, at the very least, flaps/slats manually deployed (they normally are automatic with gear down...but if the pilot chooses not to lower the gear, then there's a manual switch). I normally choose the latter because of the chance of overspeeding my gear if I have to speed up...easy to forget and go past 300 (our gear speed). Fly by wire does a pretty good job at 200, but the jet is still sluggish. Fortunately, plenty of power to get out of a bad situation if one starts to develop.

To sweaver209: Beautiful !!!!

Some elders have no business operating a motorized vehicle. This is a prime example of one. She needs to hang her wings up she is done.

First, she isn't my elder

Second, she is a republican, who respects them these days after what they did with our deficit?

Third, She flew without checking restrictions and didn't have a radio with her. It's like flying blind. I mean how stupid can you get?

Forth, Yes, she did pose a threat.

Lets not argue about party affiliation (I'm an Indy, FWIW). She made a mistake, and she was gracious about it...it's not like she got an attitude once she got back on the ground.

No harm was done, and hopefully everyone learned something. Lets not make a political mountain out of a molehill...save that for something more worthwhile.

No harm was done, except when you consider the cost of operating those jets and the serious budget deficit we have in this country.

I used to fly around a lot with my dad, I think general aviation is great and a lot of fun. But a pilot has to be responsible in many ways, and these days one of those responsibilities include checking airspace restrictions. If her computer wasn't working, she should have used another one, or forgone her flight. Doesn't matter how old she is.

I hope she gets a big fine.

I guess she never picks up a paper or turns on the TV. I got a feeling there was some news coverage about the President's visit. She should have known better. She obviously just didn't care.

i coild care less if the potus was in the area, he can stay out of MY way. Sue the bs'er because he restricted my rights.

Just because nothing happened this time does not mean we can ignore laws or safety procedures . If this woman had ran into an airliner and killed a hundred people Ill bet the comments would be different. Its the same with texting and driving here in Md, once again its a matter of which laws we choose to abide by.The president is not the cause of this(I am a republican by the way) she is for being careless and thinking what she does doesn't affect the safety of other people. She should be fined and loose her license. Her attitude in this whole incident shows she is not a responsible adult and is just another idiot that thinks the rules dont apply to her.....

Box.. Its not even realistic to think that, she couldn't go running into an airliner with that plane..

I think the lines have blurred seriously here. The fact is a 75 year old pilot made a mistake, which fortunately ended without harm. I believe she's learned a lesson. But since it involved the president, some here want to make it a political issue like Barry-Moore ("she's a Republican, who respects them these days after what they did with our deficit") Are you upset some Republicans want to FIX the deficit? Are you saying Republicans caused the deficit in the 7 months they've had a mojority of the house (not the senate and white house)? Get back to the point, the lady goofed...end of story.

boxguy1, you obviously have no idea what the flight rules are. Please stop commenting on things you know nothing about.

She sould say she was an illegal alien, then they couldnt ask her for her papers lol.

Its just funny how boxguy1 says we cant ignore laws while they ignore them everyday when states try to enforce them that are on the books.

But we arent talking about the state trying to enforse their laws, we are talking about this specific case. You sound like some of the people I work with. You try and tell them they are doing something wrong and they imediately say, well so and so is doing this thing wrong but you didnt say anything to them. Your picking on me. I have to tell them, I am not talking to so and so right now, im talking to you. So keep on the subject and not say its ok since someone else somewhere is breaking a law so she can too.

Barry-Moore, I hope that the next time you are going 5mph over the speed limit the cop takes your license, because you know that speed is one of the three top contributing factors to fatalities on the roadway. Oh, wait you probably dont think that is that big a deal right. Let he who is without sin cast the first stone. Right.

So let me get this straight, you are trying to compare her in a no fly zone with f 16's on her tail costing the government 9k per hour each to me going 5 mph over a speed limit? Really? Really?

Absolutely, there is no way she could ever pose a threat to AF1 in that plane. It is absurd to think she could possibly pose any type of threat at 60 mph. There was absolutely no reason once they had identified the plane to continue to "escort" her. Or did she have some type of crew serve weapon on the wings we missed? Further more, once identified they could maintain visual via radar. Get over the paranoia. And the operation costs of those planes is not an issue as pilots are required a set amount of flight hours each month. It will just be written into their log so they won't have to make up those hours later on. I doubt that Mr. Obama would consider a little old lady in a wood and fabric plane a threat to his safety regardless of wether she was within 30miles. You should be praising the lady for staying active and continuing to be a productive member of society instead of thumping your chests about a ridiculous policy regarding AF1.

That is absurd, of course she poses a threat, that's why the f 16's where sent out. Just because she is 60 or 70 years old does not mean she cant fly a 50 mile hour plane close enough to set off a bomb that is not on a wing, but in the cockpit. As many have posted she has nothing to lose cause of her age so why not be a suicide bomber. I find this "little old lady" treatment you guys are using as an excuse is ridiculous. It was a no fly zone, didn't say with the exception of senile old ladies. A small plane like that would be exactly what someone would use for a terrorist attack. Can't believe you don't know that.

Absolutely, there is no way she could ever pose a threat to AF1 in that plane. It is absurd to think she could possibly pose any type of threat at 60 mph

I feel compelled to point out - Everyone aboard the USS Cole thought the idea of a little inflatable rubber raft floating towards them posing a threat to their ship was pretty absurd too.

"There is no problem that can't be solved with the proper application of high explosives."

Remember, no one knew it was a 75 year old lady until AFTER they got on the ground. All they knew when they scrambled the F16s was that a plane had violated the no fly zone.

It could've been a real-life version of Angry Birds, and the F16s would still have scrambled.

Second, she is a republican, who respects them these days after what they did with our deficit?

You DO realize they added that she was a Republican for kicks and giggles since the President is a Democrat, right? Or is that too confusing? I know that line made me laugh due to the hostility between the parties.

sweaver had an awesome post by the way.

It was a no fly zone, didn't say with the exception of senile old ladies.

People posting that she was negligent for having her radio turned off-- some classes of aircraft are not even required to have a radio on board (as long as they are flying in "uncontrolled" airspace or certain classes of "controlled" airspace). The area she was flying in was still technically uncontrolled airspace, even though it was currently restricted, so no crime was committed there. She has a radio because she chooses to have one, not because it's mandatory. Here's a bit:

"Radio participation in the TRSA is voluntary, though recommended, and the airspace within the TRSA maintains its original class designation."

From: http://www.aopa.org/asf/publications/sa02.pdf

In other words, even though it was a temporary "no-fly-zone" she wasn't required to even have a radio on board, because the area maintains it's original class designation as uncontrolled airspace.

Her only misstep was in not calling the control station to determine if there were any restrictions-- but considering that she flew daily in the same space, I can understand her lack of vigilance. She assumed that day would be like any other day she flew-- i.e. unrestricted, uncontrolled airspace for her to tool around in. This would be comparable to driving my jeep through the Rio Puerco (a dry river valley full of great off-roading) and was stopped suddenly by a tank and told that day the area was off-limits because Obama was releasing some hot air.

stop trying to confuse the hateful little trolls with facts.

Yea, just fly anywhere ya want with no care for laws and no fly zones. Just go up there and do as you please.

So you think it is OK to just fire up the plane with no flight plan, radio or any other form of communication?

She either needs to be retrained on proper procedure, or stay on the ground.

What if she had engine failure and went down? What if she died because her injuries could not be tended to because no one knew where she was?

I guess it's easier to blame the President for people not taking personal responsibilities, correct?

Yes Barry and Mike, she didn't follow FAA procedures, and ended up in a no fly zone, and because of that she should recieve some kind of repromand.

But if you think that light aviation pilots don't go on joyrides from time to time, you are sadly mistaken. Many people who fly out of small airstrips to sightsee are no more apt to file a flightplan (since they literally have no plan other than to take off, fly around until they are low enough on fuel, and land) than most people file a float plan when they go on the boat to watch a sunset. Having the radio off was probably not a good idea, not thinking to turn it on when there are fighter jets circling you was definitely a bad idea.

But still, she is a 75 year old lady with a fun hobby, I am sure she isn't too concerned on whether or not she survives a plane crash. She may have cut some corners on FAA rules on her little trip, but only one got her in trouble (not checking the no fly zones). If you think every time a plane goes in the air it has a specific purpose to get people or things from point A to point B, you are mistaken.

She is not like you. She doesn't care if she dies doing something she loves. She is living life to its fullest and doesn't expect the government to be there for her at every moment. Please get of welfare and start living. She was a wing walker 5 or 6 years ago, puts me to shame.

@NYMike, you apparently don't know the FAR's or AIM's. If you are in class E airspace and flying under VFR (Visual Flight Rules) you do NOT need a flight plan OR a radio. The story does not specify what airspace she was flying in (except that she was in a TFR) but she was obviously in VMC (visual meteorolgical conditions). Granted it is wise to have a radio if just to monitor traffic in your airspace. But it is not REQUIRED. Also, it said she did not turn on her radio. Not that she did not have one.

You can't talk sense into these criminal defenders. As long as Obama was involved somehow, they will always defend the other side, regardless of how irresponsible they were. If this lady plowed her caddilac through a school yard of children as a way to go around a blocked street the the president was on, these people would defend her. It's just in their nature. They litterally make up their logic and their ever-changing positions on the fly to suit their hatred for the guy trying to protect them from the people they keep voting for.

Marshall-3866029, what you are saying makes sense, except for her ignoring the miliary escorts because she thought they were admiring her cute plane. She is certainly in her rights to just go up blind, although perhaps she should have at least made a quick check about airspace restrictions. But "admiring my cute plane"? At that point, realizing her radio was off.....perhaps she quickly turn it on? Perhaps she realize that deciding NOT to check for flight restrictions was a bad idea? Nope. Mr. Magoo keeps flying in her world of law-less "let people mind their own business" Utopia.

Truth Patrol, I think many of us are just trying to combat the attitude people like Barry are spewing acting like flying a light aircraft is equal to taking a trip to the international space station. Where I live there is a gentleman with a light seaplane nearby, I see him go by on that thing with different people for rides five or ten times on a saturday to take them up flying. It is a hobby for many people, who buy an inexpensive aircraft, and just love to fly. Any other day that woman would have just landed without incident and no one would know. Is it her fault for not checking the no fly zones? YES, but they talk like she was a danger to society by not having a filed flight plan and listening intently to radio traffic. She just wanted to go up and fly, she is 75 years old, she made a mistake, she is not a terrorist.

I really hope one day when one of you make an innocent mistake that makes national news you come on and read the comments that say you should have been shot at sight, put in prison, or have all your money confiscated and see how you feel. We are a society with laws, and ignorance of the laws is not an excuse, but we are also humans and have the ability to go easy on people when they obviously meant no harm.

Truth Patrol ... I'm not saying what she did was right. Far from it!! What I am saying is NYMike is wrong in stating that she was required to file a flight plan and have a radio. If there was no TFR (as she wrongly assumed) and she was in Class E airspace and in VMC she did nothing wrong.

Marshal and Hiap, i agree with both of you. She made a mistake (unfortunately a huge one). She technically didn't need a flight plan or even a radio. But, she decided not to pursue checking airspace (a simple phone call) even though it was in the news that the Pres was in Chicago (perhaps she's oblivious to news). It's really her response that is telling, here. She couldn't get the hint that the planes weren't there to admire her (after she took off with no check of airspace and wasn't monitoring the radio). I accept most of her mistakes UP UNTIL the F16's showed up. At that point, her Mr. Magoo nature really shows through.

Maybe her Faux News channel didn't happen to mention that the POTUS was in town because they were busy finding file photos of black rappers to place with the Hip Hop BBQ story they were manufacturing...

This isn't really about Obama (I recall that Bush had more than one pilot harassed for flying too close to Crawford), but about the increasing web of restriction we are facing here in the 'land of the free'.

If our response to 9/11 is that all Americans have to live in a police state, then bin Laden won. And - sorry - I'm still not inclined to believe he's dead without proof. Guess I'm out in left field on all counts. :)

As a person that knows nothing about flying, what is the worst reason that air traffic may have been restricted. So I can understand the magnitude of the potential mistake?

Moron

Gee, what would you have to talk about had they not given her political affiliation?

...rose is so cute-i just love this story=she thought the jets were just admiring her plane-i am sure the president will not press charges. i did not look at her age-closed my eyes! and she says the pilots were so respectful. how nice-makes me proud that we are so civilized. Proud to be an American!!!

hoosierdaddy, how about the fact that she didn't have a flight plan, radio or any other form of communication?

She went up without regard to any other pilots out there. Is that a good enough thing to talk about?

NYMike...Obviously you are not a Pilot or an awfully stupid one. A flight plan nor radio is required for flying under VFR in Class E airspace. The story does not mention the airspace she was in, just that it was TFR airspace. She was obviously flying in VFC not requiring a flight plan.

Roadrunner --

Considering the expense, it would probably have been cheaper to fly all of those fools to Washington than Obammy flying to Chicago -- especialloy if he took his Chef with him.

That's the stupidest thing I have read all day . . . and I read the WSJ daily!

Uh Rob, it WOULD have been cheaper if the attendees had flown commercial. You win the stupidiest contest, hands down.

Obama should apologize for invading her space!....Rose, you are soooo cool!

Marshall-3866029

NYMike...Obviously you are not a Pilot or an awfully stupid one. A flight plan nor radio is required for flying under VFR in Class E airspace. The story does not mention the airspace she was in, just that it was TFR airspace. She was obviously flying in VFC not requiring a flight plan.

Sorry - as a pilot it is your responsibility to check the status of the airspace you are flying into BEFORE you fly. It is taught to you when you do your flight lessons to get your pilots license.

She failed in her duty as a pilot - plain and simple.

She likely has a pilot certification predating a pilot license. You only know what the new article tells you, which doesn't mention how close she actually got to AF1. And you can bet at 60mph it wasn't close enough to do any harm. The fact that is "plain and simple" is that she never posed a threat to national security in any way. It is a wood and fabric plane that could never have gotten close to an airborne jet and posed no threat to a grounded jet. Time to end the paranoia. No one man warrants a 30 mile aerial restricted flight zone. The old 5 mile buffer was more than adequate.

I hope when you have lived a full life and are 75 years old that you get to do something enjoyable like this woman. You assume a lot about her just because she puts around in a little airplane, and your hostility towards her hobby, age, apparent wealth, and politics, says A LOT about your lack of civility and class. Even though you are a self-absorbed tool who demonizes this lady because she seems to be doing well in life, I STILL hope you achieve your dreams and live a fulfilling and rewarding life. Maybe when you are her age you willlook back and appreciate the country you live in and the opportunities you've been given.

Well how about your buddy Obama? He's out there wasting $100,000.00 an hour flying around in Air Force 1, Sucking money from the RICH DEMONCRATS all while we are trying to keep fuel in our cars. So leave the Repubs alone, seems the democratsare alot worse.

Sounds like as little bit of jealousy. Too bad you didn't make anything of yourself to be able to afford what she does.

AMEN JimB. I posted exactly that question just a few minutes ago!!!! And he flew there to raise campaign funds - at our expense.

Frank, so if she and her late-husband hadn't saved up money for their own enjoyable retirement, you would be up in arms that she is elderly and the republicans want to take away her social security check? But since she was responsible and lives within her own means she is a rich republican who swindled taxes away from the little man her whole life?

Must be a sad world you live in, where anyone who has money is evil, and everyone who doesn't is being conspired against.

So what if he did, is it now a crime for someone to take care of their own family? Should husbands make their wives go to work even if they don't need to and then donated the money to welfare recipients? Would that be more "fair" for you. The article clearly said she was a wingwalker for a number of years by the way, but even still, how is that any of your business? What is this country coming too...

jk, without a clue,Ask those who made their living off the Lady and her husband who probably think these are good people. Even if you feel anyone that is more successful than you, just had to steal their wealth from you. Envy makes you sound stupid.

Obviously you are not very knowledgeable about aircraft....A large goose can bring down a plane the size of Air Force One , if it collides with it....The size of the craft is not the issue in this case. The fact is the woman violated several critical FAA regulations and was not only a possible danger to the President but to people residing within the "No Fly Zone" established for his protection, since a significant crash could have showered the area, on the ground with debris from the aircraft involved.

The best part is her claim that she did not no about the exclusionary zone. If she was aware that the President was coming to Chicago, as an experienced pilot, she should have been aware that there is always a "No Fly Zone" in effect whenever a President arrives in a given city and that the NF Zone is customarily 30-50 miles in diameter..No excuses, she just decided that she was going to fly, because she wanted to, period!

what debris tooth picks fabric and an aluminum can motor

@Pangulin48

Meh, a movie theater plot where a kamikaze takes out Airforce One by Magically Stuffing it in an engine. 747 pilots will tell you some of the stiff punishment their aircraft can take and still fly. It takes more than a large goose. They've taken them in the engines and windshields and survived quite well. I think you were looking for a very large flock of geese spread out enough to take out all the engines.

Sorry, I've flown in the damn things and worked on them. Yes, there are a hell of a lot of FAA rules, no you can't put an airplane in the air anymore and not break a few of them, depending on which FAA bureaucrat you get that day.

What makes you think that a plane that goes 60 mph could ever get within range of a jet and "ram" it? Common sense is apparently a scarce commodity these days.

Totally! I'm shakin' in my boots and snoopy scarf!

Actually, wm. sanders, they DO make a "blanket announcement EVERY time the president goes somewhere - they do it when a republican is president too.

Guess the blanket wasn't big enough, was it? Mistakes happen. She wasn't the first pilot, she won't be the last.

Yes, mistakes do happen. That's not the case here. No flight plan or radio is nothing but lack of repsect and concern for her fellow pilots.

Neglegence should never be dismissed.

So by your reasoning, every hang-glider, ultralite, balloon, bicycle and kayak should get a radio?

And we don't know all the facts about the matter...that's for the FAA to judge. For all we know, the other side may have dropped the ball. Until then, we shouldn't be rushing to judgement and calling people negligent till we have all the facts. Innocent until proven guilty applies.

Did you read the article? She said she usually checks on her computer for bulletins but it wasn't working (computer or bulletin wasn't stated). She also said she didn't have her plane's radio turned on. Pay attention to the article before making blanket statements that make you sound foolish.

Mike...you obviously didn't read what Marshal has been saying. For this type of aircraft NO FLIGHT PLAN OR RADIO IS REQUIRED!!!!! When I drive my car down the interstate highway, I don't stop at weigh stations.

How about Obama stay away from people with his fund raisers and self staged birthday parties. Jerk.

don't be hatin'

People are responding like the President actually did anything here. There are procedures in place that protect every president that have nothing to do with who the POTUS is at that time. Is fundraising something President Obama invented? Presidents have been fundraising forever and do you expect them to take the Nissan out of the garage to get there? AF1 is not just some perk of the job. It is a communication hub, specially protecting the president so he can work in the air and run the country no matter where he/she may be. Do you think the taxpayers aren't paying for Bachmann and the other runners' fundraising transportation? Get real. If the politicians really want to make a difference in the deficit, why don't they refuse their paychecks? Usually they have a few dollars to fall back on, regardless of political party. The president shouldn't be getting a paycheck at all. The people pay for all their needs, not their wants but their needs.

As for this little old lady, republican or democrat, what she did was irresponsible. She should have checked for restrictions, she should have had her radio on, and she should have more common sense then to think fighter pilots have nothing better to do then admire her plane. I think its great that she's 75 and still doing something she loves but if she can't be responsible then she shouldn't be allowed to continue. Its not about her politics or her bank account, its about safety and responsibility.

They pay a minimal flat rate, the rest is on the public's bill. rep and dem's both do it, and the party campaign should pay all the costs of essentially a fund raiser.

uno, I live within 50 miles of a major Air Force Base and have their planes do practice runs on everything in sight quite often. Sometimes they go supersonic in the process. When they do that, I don't think straight for a few seconds after that.

The President owns it when he is in Air Force One. But I guess if it was BUSH you might not feel that way.

Makes bob1275 look foolish; it's the responsibility of a licensed pilot to to be informed of these directives ... regardless of politics. This same kind of irresponsible behavior by pilots, and some boat captains, have caused numerous launch delays as well. This just happened Friday prior to the Juno liftoff.

poor bob!

your last name fits ya! ...... hick.. dont forget robert, theres a big sheet sale down at wal-mart today!

me...I guess your sheet comment was a racist slam against white people at Wal-Mart being somehow affiliated with the KKK? I don't see anything in Robert's post about race...it was a disrespectful remark about Obama's ears. But people like you are such racists and biggots (snide remarks about rural white people i.e. hick) you have to bring color into the conversation. I don't beleive Robert was picking on Obama just because he's the first half white president...it's because he's a half wit president.

Capt, BINGO!

I don't beleive Robert was picking on Obama just because he's the first half white president...it's because he's a half wit president.

Aww capt... you were doing good, then you lost it, he also said nothing about half wit president... the comment was about obamas ears... which in fact, are huge :-)

J-3864925 How many months did Bush Jr and family spend on his ranch in Texas? Wake up and stop doing the blame game. Obama 2012

Can you spell off-topic, delusional post; I can:

J-3-8-6-4-9-2-5

Did Bush have a separate airplane for his dog? Just asking.

How about she just get fined the cost of scrambling two f-16s. I don't care how cute it is for an old lady to be flying a plane and I don't care if you have no respect for restricted airspace. This lady was negligent and broke the law! I have no more mercy for her than I'd have for a 75 year old woman driving a crown vic through a road block in DC because she didn't know the presidential motorcade was up the street. I mean really people. Get real.

We must watch out for 75 year old terrorists such as this lady. You are correct, seems olive skin and beards do have a different connotation since 911.

Dasvet,

You do realize - that RADAR is unable to determine race or age when it gets a return from an aircraft.

All it knows is something's in the no fly zone.

Study a little harder. Sean brought up race, I didn't. The Piper cruising at 60 mph, and AF1 at at least 200-120 mph, damn she would have to fire at AF1 quickly to endanger the inept one. Radar CAN determine size and speed, I learned that from personal experience.If she had said she was a democrat, this would be a non-incident. Grow up..

Owen, you're right!

"Mission Accomplished".

Yup, I remember when the Bush administration killed 85 American men, women and children in a church in Texas because they didn't pay the tax on a full-auto rifle...no wait that was Clinton. Oh yeah, I got it now it was the Bush administration that stormed a house in Miami with machine guns to take a child at gun point to send him back to Cuba...uh no that was also Clinton. No, no it was the Bush administration that bought guns and sold them to Mexican drug gangs so he could "track" them and blame American gun owners...no, dang it that was Obama...well, Bush is a dork...that's it.

Not all immigrants...just the Irish

Chuck wake up don't be stupid

he has been good for the country....well said Chuck

@Chuck-3483190 - That would be overdoing it...She is just some poor old lady.

Obama is good for the people who just want to sit back and wait for their handouts. Dems need to step up and start working for a living. And when the next election comes around don't vote for a person because they have the same color of skin as you do.

hoosier,

the republican party, over the last 4 months, guaranteed 4 more yrs for Obama!

id like to thank you all...expecailly the tea party members for making this happen

"And when the next election comes around don't vote for a person because they have the same color of skin as you do."

I didn't. I voted for the guy with a brain, unlike every GOP candidate then and now.

Gee, somebody tell the 95% of racist black voters who voted for this half-black failure due to his melanin content.

Pity Barry's brain is that of a racist thug who hates this country unless it's giving him money on bended knee.

Chuck,

That would fall into the category of cruel and unusual punishment

Hoosier,

What?! I didn't think people like you still existed. I voted for President Obama and will again. His first economic plan put me into a better job. I resent being called a lazy person when I've worked since the age of 15, including 6 years in the Army, and am raising two children on my own. A note before all the haters start tearing me down. I was married to the father of my children who left when the youngest was 13 days old for another woman and hasn't seen or talked to his children in over 11 years. And we are both white by the way so try another stereotype you throwback.

vermontgal, hoosier and greg are typical of the slobs that just hate Obama because he's black

they don't understand a thing about economics except the repeatedly disproven claim that tax cuts create jobs.

then they start crying for "those poor, abused rich people"

Here we go with the color thing again. I have no problem with Obama being half white...I have no problem with Obama bieng half black...my problem with Obama's color is his being RED. And vermontgal...good for you, you overcame a tremendous hardship and took care of your family without government handouts. Unfortunately people like you are a minority in this country anymore. You have my utmost respect, but don't think Obama is the reason for your success...YOU are, you've earned it the hard way and you deserve all good things.

hey chaos, numerous slobs repeadtedly brought up race, yet somehow when you bring up race that is "just pointing out (your racist) facts" but if someone else points out that you are being racist you get all whiney yourself.

I think that's up to the FAA to decide. And there are far worse candidates who shouldn't be behind the yoke (like the Northwest Pilots who overshot their destination).

Mistakes happen. No one's perfect. Unless there's concrete proof she's a reckless pilot, let it go.

And you've never made a mistake before. Good for you Jesus.

@James - Can you post your letter to the FAA complaining about Sen Inhofe purposely landing on a closed runway at a small airport in Texas endangering the lives of the construction crew rebuilding the runway? One of those workers actually wet himself when Inhofe touched down and then had to pull up and hop over a vehicle on the runway. She was 30 miles from O'Hare in a plane moving 60mph, she wasn't any danger to the president.

She didn't forget her preflight. She clearly stated that she normally checks for TFR's but her computer wasn't working. Very selective reading you have there. Yes,s there are other ways to check, but it was a short local hop so 99.9 percent of the time, no big deal. She didn't do anything dangerous. Yes, she made a mistake but it's not something worth jerking her ticket over. And have you never ever left the ground without checking NOTAMS? Not even for pattern work?

Exactly do local flights tp the practice area and pattern workwithout a briefing all the time. I am fairly sure that if there was a TFR around my home airport someone in FBO would mention it. They always posts local TFR's that come close to out airport.

Based on the picture, I would guess that she likely flies from her home rather than an FBO. She sounds normally diligent and just slipped by not checking. But in my experience, I have seen an amazing number of pilots (much younger and very high time) consider NOTAMS as just being suggestive. Regarding her age, she looks amazing and should not worry about her age - she's obviously still airworthy.

The woman was in a BI-PLANE BASICALLY MADE OF PAPER DOING 60 MPH....and we scramble 2 F-16's.....one wasn't ENOUGH....who was the moron on that decision.

One thing I can't stand anymore is the sheer STUPIDITY of governmental organizations....common sense is gone.

Didn't have her radio on - another richbitch who thinks she is the center of the universe........ What arrogant comments she makes, trying to justify her lack of following established protocol....... 75 years old.....? Time for the FAA to turn her out to pasture...........

Radios are not required in an aircraft that was originally built without them. Cubs were not originally built with radios on board.

I have been a pilot for about 5 years and ~700 hours. I usually do check notams, but I think you can ask just about any pilot and you will hear that we have all had days that for whatever reason we did not. 99% of the time there is nothing that effects your flight. It does not make it right - but this is like telling me you have never forgot to check your blind spot before making a lane change or that you never made a skill saw cut without safety glasses.

Rose was in the wrong and she will get her fair penalty. Permanent loss of a pilots license is nowhere near what should or will happen.

And to the idiot you said "she didn't have her radio on" - you should know what the hell you are talking about before you open your uneducated trap. In class G or class E airspace you are not required to have a radio or use one at all. You don't even need a transponder in your aircraft until you decide to operate in Class A,B or C airspace. You should be put out to pasture along with your idiot commie in chief.

angry, I agree its an easy mistake to make. I don't think she should lose her license. I just find it amusing. You would have thought that if her plane was equipped with a radio, she might have turned it on to at least say hi to the F16's. That was rather unneighbourly of her ;)

The lady just isn't worrying about the Great Ineptor's whereabouts. That is the burr under their saddles. All of us should be required to know where he is, just in case he really scr-ws up really bad and decides to take us with him.