Can you believe that a kid would steal a Skyhawk and NOT obey F-16s?
The plane had been escorted by two F-16 fighter jets since shortly after it crossed into U.S. airspace from Canada, and the pilot did not respond to multiple requests that he establish communications with ground controllers.
The plane entered American airspace over Michigan’s Upper Peninsula at 4:23 p.m. ET and was trailed by the military aircraft since 4:43 p.m. as it flew over Minnesota, south through Wisconsin, Illinois and Missouri.
The pilot landed the single engine Cessna 172 on U.S. Highway 60 in Ellsinore, Mo., at approximately 9:50 p.m. ET, and was caught by Missouri State Highway Patrol officers.
You have to wonder what the kid was thinking!
I’ve seen F-16s when flying my Skyhawk near Hill Air Force Base.
The pilots are always very courteous on the radio, and the HAFB tower is always great about letting me know when they’re training or maneuvering in the area.
“They will be passing over the mountain and through your altitude over your left wing. Maintain your course and altitude – they’re aware of your position.”“Zero Eight Charlie, maintaining course and altitude. Rodger.”
Yikers.
Just being in the same air with these guys makes me feel like I’m scuba diving with a bunch of sharks. They look much bigger in the air than they do on the ground.
http://www.abcnews.go.com/Technology/story?id=7273710&page=1
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