Sent On Way After Brief Detainment

The pilot of a Beech Skipper (file photo of type, below) and his passenger had the opportunity to spend some quality time discussing topical issues of the day with Secret Service agents, after allegedly busting the TFR in effect during a speech by President Bush in Manchester, NH Wednesday.

The small airplane was escorted away from the prohibited airspace of NOTAM 61482 and directed to Fitchburg Municipal Airport by two F-15s deployed from Otis Air National Guard Base on Cape Cod, said Major Darren Steele, deputy director of public affairs for the North American Aerospace Defense Command.

The two unidentified men were questioned by US Secret Service agents briefly and were then released, Secret Service Spokesman Jonathan Cherry told the Associated Press.

Steele added the violations are typically made by pilots who don't file flight plans, or fail to check with the FAA for NOTAMS.

He then provided what can best described as a supreme understatement.

"I can only imagine that it must not be a real good feeling when you're flying in your little single-engine aircraft and suddenly see a fighter off your wing, waggling at you, going, 'Follow me,'" said Steele.

FMI: www.tfr.faa.gov