3 planes violate airspace set up during Obama visit

SUN-TIMES MEDIA WIRE

At least three single-engine planes violated a temporary restricted flight area set in place during President Barack Obama's visit to the Chicago area this weekend.

U.S. Army Maj. Mike Humphreys said the latest incident happened Sunday at 8:55 p.m. when a Cessna 152 flew about two miles into the restricted flight zone.

The plane was intercepted by two F-15 fighter jets and an HH-65 Dolphin Coast Guard helicopter and was escorted to the Lewis University Airport in Romeoville, where it was met by local authorities, Humphreys said.

On Sunday morning, another single-engine plane "barely crossed" into the temporary restricted area and was intercepted by a Dolphin helicopter, Humphreys said. That plane landed at the Schaumburg Airport.

And on Friday, two NORAD F-15 fighters intercepted an RV-8 small aircraft near Chicago at 6:42 p.m., Humphreys said. The aircraft landed in Aurora where it was met by local authorities.

"In most cases, these are accidental," Humphreys said. "We just have to make sure we respond to every one because you never know when that one is going to have some ill-intentions behind it."

FAA spokeswoman Elizabeth Cory on Monday morning could not comment on whether the pilots would face any charges for violating the airspace, saying the investigation will take time.

The temporary fight restrictions for VIP movement began on Friday about 3 p.m. in Chicago and will last until 5:30 p.m. Monday, according to the FAA website. The airspace covers two main areas and in total encompasses 40 nautical miles.

Another temporary flight restriction for VIP movement was put in place in Elwood from 10:45 a.m. until 12:45 p.m. on Monday, according to the FAA. Pres. Obama is scheduled to attend a Memorial Day ceremony at the Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in the far southwest suburb.

The Obamas arrived in Chicago on Thursday and are expected to leave later Monday.
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