NORAD F-16 Maneuvers in Front of Civilian Plane Near Mar-a-Lago

A NORAD F-16 flew directly in front of a civilian aircraft near Mar-a-Lago on Saturday to gain the pilot's attention after the plane entered restricted airspace, military officials said. The interception occurred at approximately 12:20 p.m. ET in Palm Beach, Florida, while President Trump was in West Palm Beach to cast an early ballot in the state's midterm election.

NORAD identified the tactic as a "headbutt maneuver," which it described as standard procedure. The move allowed the military jet to establish radio contact with the civilian pilot, who then steered the aircraft out of the restricted zone in compliance with flight instructions, the command said. The aircraft had violated a Temporary Flight Restriction covering the area.

NORAD noted that a pilot who violates such a restriction "could also be met by federal authorities upon landing and subject to enforcement action." The Federal Aviation Administration issues Temporary Flight Restrictions for events including political rallies and sporting gatherings, and communicates details of these restrictions to pilots through Notices to Airmen.

Mr. Trump and First Lady Melania Trump were seen at a West Palm Beach polling station Saturday afternoon. Asked whether he had voted along party lines, Mr. Trump said: "Very much so." He then traveled to Georgia for a campaign rally.

Restrictions on flights have accompanied the president's campaign travel in recent weeks. Earlier in October, NORAD reported that F-16s intercepted a plane that entered restricted airspace over Clemson, South Carolina, where Mr. Trump attended an event supporting Darline Graham's Senate campaign. A similar interception occurred days earlier over Cincinnati, Ohio, where the president also appeared.

No injuries or damage were reported. The identity of the civilian pilot and the aircraft's registration were not disclosed by NORAD.