Danger can lurk around any corner if you’re the President of the United States. It can even lurk if you’re thousands of feet in the sky.
And Air Force One was hit with a close call that had air traffic control panicking.
In a tense moment over Long Island, a Spirit Airlines jet came dangerously close to Air Force One while President Trump was aboard, heading to the UK. The pilots got a sharp rebuke from air traffic control for dragging their feet on course corrections.
This incident highlights the high stakes when protecting our commander-in-chief. Spirit Flight 1300, en route from Fort Lauderdale to Boston, strayed too close to the presidential plane’s path and altitude, per Bloomberg.
Air traffic controllers jumped into action, issuing urgent commands to avert any potential mishap. The exchange, caught on audio, shows the frustration building as the commercial pilots hesitated.
“Spirit 1300, turn 20 degrees right,” the air traffic controller stated.
But that wasn’t enough to get an immediate response. The controller ramped up the pressure, repeating the order with growing intensity.
“Pay attention, Spirit 1300, turn 20 degrees right. Spirit 1300, turn 20 degrees right, now. Spirit wings 1300, turn 20 degrees right, immediately.”
Finally, after what felt like an eternity in the control tower, the pilots confirmed and started the turn. Yet the scolding didn’t stop there.
The controller pointed out the obvious threat nearby, emphasizing the need for vigilance in no uncertain terms.
“Spirit 1300, traffic off your left wing by six mi– or eight miles, 747. I’m sure you can see who it is. Keep an eye out for him — he’s white and blue,” the controller stated.
Wrapping up the dressing-down, the exasperated voice added a pointed jab at what might have caused the delay.
“Pay attention! Get off the iPad.”
Despite the drama unfolding in the air, sources confirm Air Force One faced no actual peril, according to Bloomberg. The quick thinking of controllers kept everything under control.
The Spirit flight pressed on without more issues, touching down safely in Boston as planned. No harm done, but it raises questions about focus in the cockpit.
“Spirit Airlines Flight 1300 followed procedures and Air Traffic Control (ATC) instructions while en route to Boston and landed uneventfully (in Boston),” a Spirit spokesman said to CBS News after the incident.
Meanwhile, President Trump and First Lady Melania arrived without a hitch at London Stansted Airport after departing from Joint Base Andrews in Maryland.
This episode, first shared on Bluesky by @JonNYC and picked up by Bloomberg, serves as a reminder of the constant vigilance required to safeguard American leaders.
In an era where threats lurk everywhere, even routine flights can’t afford complacency. The audio clip captures the raw edge of those protecting America’s top asset in the skies.
Stay tuned to The Federalist Wire.
