F-16 intercepts a Robinson R-66 helicopter over Chicago (Page 1 of 2)
Posted: Today 1:27:57 AM EDT
[Last Edit: realwar][Edited]
Attached File
At least 10 planes were intercepted by fighter jets over the Chicago area Sunday for violating a temporary flight restriction. That restriction was imposed by the FAA and enforced by military aircraft from the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), according to officials, and was in place during President Donald Trump’s visit to Medinah Country Club for the final day of the Presidents Cup Sunday. Residents in numerous suburbs saw fighter jets in the skies overhead during the president’s visit to the area, and according to NORAD officials, the planes ended up intercepting numerous civilian aircraft while the flight restrictions were in place. According to NORAD, at least 15 aircraft violated the temporary flight restrictions over the area, and in 10 of those instances, fighter jets performed intercepts to gain the attention of the pilots. In two of those intercepts, the NORAD jets used flares to get the pilots’ attention, though the department says the flares burn out quickly and pose no danger to the public. Officials said all situations were “resolved safely,” and no further information was available. Serving as honorary chairman of the tournament, Trump visited Medinah in the northwest suburbs on Sunday, speaking to the crowd before singles matches began at the golf course Link Attached File    Attached File
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The "on the brink of stalling" guy needs to look into high-AOA maneuvering in 4th Gen fighters, lol. Jets with leading edge slats and the power that a Block 40 or 50 Viper has don't stall like a general aviation aircraft. You can be down at sub-50 knots of airspeed well past stall AOA and still control the jet to Commercial PTS standards of heading/altitude/airspeed. I could do that in the F-15E, and the Eagle doesn't even have leading edge lift devices like a Viper or Hornet. That being said, helo intercepts are tough enough when you're intending to shoot 'em down. Having to do interception signals and close escort them is a big challenge. In the Strike for a short period we were qualified to do the SANDY mission, and the SANDY 3 and SANDY 4 roles are armed escort for the helo rescue package. The F-15E has to stay fast -- at least 350 knots -- when down low to stay maneuverable against MANPADS and other threats, and the speed differential with the rescue helos is substantial. That was one of the toughest mission checkrides I've ever taken due to that. |
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Originally Posted By realwar: https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/32274/Screenshot_2026-09-27_at_22-24-36__4__Th-3833830.JPG
At least 10 planes were intercepted by fighter jets over the Chicago area Sunday for violating a temporary flight restriction. That restriction was imposed by the FAA and enforced by military aircraft from the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), according to officials, and was in place during President Donald Trump’s visit to Medinah Country Club for the final day of the Presidents Cup Sunday. Residents in numerous suburbs saw fighter jets in the skies overhead during the president’s visit to the area, and according to NORAD officials, the planes ended up intercepting numerous civilian aircraft while the flight restrictions were in place. According to NORAD, at least 15 aircraft violated the temporary flight restrictions over the area, and in 10 of those instances, fighter jets performed intercepts to gain the attention of the pilots. In two of those intercepts, the NORAD jets used flares to get the pilots’ attention, though the department says the flares burn out quickly and pose no danger to the public. Officials said all situations were “resolved safely,” and no further information was available. Serving as honorary chairman of the tournament, Trump visited Medinah in the northwest suburbs on Sunday, speaking to the crowd before singles matches began at the golf course Link https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/32274/Screenshot_2026-09-27_at_22-25-28__4__Th-3833831.JPG https://pbs.twimg.com/media/HTRZ8WfWAAABOrT?format=jpg&name=large https://pbs.twimg.com/media/HTRT4NiWcAAIpO-?format=jpg&name=900x900 https://pbs.twimg.com/media/HTQUqkqXUAAXJ9d?format=jpg&name=900x900 https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/32274/Screenshot_2026-09-27_at_22-33-38__4__Ho-3833833.JPG
The last photo is a little misleading. The TFR specifically exempted scheduled commercial passenger and cargo flights. |
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I will say that intercepting and then flying along side a slow mover is no joke for the fighter. I have done a few . one was over the atlantic on a twin at 100 feet over the water. I had my wingman stay in a weapon's solution and in communication with command authorities as I closed in to get the tail numbers and give the pilot visual signals. being 100 feet at 90 knots very high AOA within single digit feet of another aircraft that may or may not be expecting you leaves very little room to make a mistake but you do what needs to be done as national command authorities watch and listen. Things can go wrong very quickly. maybe an armed helicopter with a properly trained crew and proper weapons might be better suited for the end game over chicago for a single slow aircraft that turns out to be not a threat but against a threat or a scramble on an unknown aircraft penetrating the ADIZ, it generally needs to happen now and timing is important and so is tactical flexibility. when scrambled you dont know what it is or how many there are. sure a helicopter can fly slower but he does not have an air to air radar, can not chase and destroy quickly all threats if the track turns out to be multiple threats that split up and go in different directions. In this case the mission is protection of the president and the potential threat is already close to the potential target. You need a response that can get their quickly, loiter as required to make that happen and the weapons to destroy all threats. There wasnt just 1 F-16 there. There was just one being seen and the one being seen was not in a weapons solution. Ie, you need more than one. How often do helicopters engage fixed with aircraft? How well can they keep track of them in a dense traffic environment. I dont think any of them have the ability to do much of the air to air mission. It may not be about a clueless GA pilot in a chopper. You dont know what it is until you get there and if it is a threat, you might get just one shot at stopping that threat given the proximity to their intended target. |
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Originally Posted By HobbitHunter: Honest question: Why aren't army/marine/navy helicopters used in addition to air force jets? Normally USCG helos are assigned to TFR enforcement duties around DC and other places on the east coast. Surely there are a few based in the Chicago area? Not sure what the hell NORAD was thinking if they didn't include any. |
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Interesting mix of missiles on the Viper. Looks like 3 AIM-9M, 2 AIM-9X, and 1 AIM-120. ETA: On closer inspection that’s 2 AIM-120 and 1 9X. Im mistook something else for a forward fin on the left wingtip missile. I don’t recall ever seeing a mix of Sidewinder models on a fighter before. |
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Originally Posted By helogene: For "MOST" TFR incursions, we should be using armed helo's..... They are much more suited to intercept the average TFR violator..... But, you keep the fast movers for the "BIGGER" Airliner/Biz Jet type of threats... Originally Posted By helogene: For "MOST" TFR incursions, we should be using armed helo's..... They are much more suited to intercept the average TFR violator..... But, you keep the fast movers for the "BIGGER" Airliner/Biz Jet type of threats... Originally Posted By 10mmillie: How much did those jets cost us? I would think Apaches or even MH47’s would make more sense against slow civilian aircraft. 1. Who is ID'ing these threats to determine what gets launched to go intercept 'em? 2. How many different assets in different locations would have to be sitting alert to make this scenario possible. 3. Think through the timeline and logistics of a slow-mover being launched to intercept another slow mover. The ability to rapidly intercept, ID, and interdict if needed before a threat aircraft can take any action is the core of the mission. |
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Originally Posted By diesel1: Why does the thread title say "R-66" when the OP is actually about an R-44? It’s clearly a 66. Attached File |
Here's a good video showing how the USCG is involved in intercepts. Inside NORAD: How the military protects DC's skies The Civil Air Patrol is involved with practice intercepts nearly every Thursday morning and during late night exercises called Falcon Virgo. |
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Originally Posted By HeavyMetal: Could have been done without firing a single round or missile. Originally Posted By HeavyMetal: Originally Posted By fxntime: ''Splash the Robinson.'' "Roger.'' Could have been done without firing a single round or missile. F-16 driver didn't want to loiter around to watch the signature "Robinson" |
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Originally Posted By HeavyMetal: Could have been done without firing a single round or missile. Originally Posted By HeavyMetal: Originally Posted By fxntime: ''Splash the Robinson.'' "Roger.'' Could have been done without firing a single round or missile. Yeah, a fast flyby would have done it. |
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Originally Posted By helogene: For "MOST" TFR incursions, we should be using armed helo's..... They are much more suited to intercept the average TFR violator..... But, you keep the fast movers for the "BIGGER" Airliner/Biz Jet type of threats... OA-1K Skyraider II would be good also. |
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 Military jet intercepts civilian aircraft as Trump visits Chicago area  Presidential TFR busts over Chicago, Sept. 27, 2026 (ADS-B tracks, ATC audio + intercept video) |
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Originally Posted By PhuzzyGnu: Robinson pilot was more of a threat to himself than anyone else. I figure there's a high probability of the Robinson crashing anyways if they just leave it alone. 
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Originally Posted By MtnMusic: What's more embarassing - admitting to your buddies that you got intercepted for violating a TFR, or that you fly a Robinson? I wish we could make NORDO Boomers feel shame.  Trying to read the pic above, isn't he in Chicago's bravo? |
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Originally Posted By Spartan16: So what happens to the helo pilot after he ultimately lands? Huge fine? Loss of license? A slap on the wrist? Used to be you could just slip someone a quart of bourbon and no harm no foul. |
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Originally Posted By broken_reticle: I wish we could make NORDO Boomers feel shame. Trying to read the pic above, isn't he in Chicago's bravo? It’s hard to see the sectional on the video clearly but it looks like he was at 1200 feet which is below the Class B shelf, which starts at 3,000 and goes up to 10,000 feet. Still busted the TFR, but didn’t bust the Bravo 
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Originally Posted By Never_A_Wick: It’s hard to see the sectional on the video clearly but it looks like he was at 1200 feet which is below the Class B shelf, which starts at 3,000 and goes up to 10,000 feet. Still busted the TFR, but didn’t bust the Bravo Originally Posted By Never_A_Wick: Originally Posted By broken_reticle: I wish we could make NORDO Boomers feel shame. Trying to read the pic above, isn't he in Chicago's bravo? It’s hard to see the sectional on the video clearly but it looks like he was at 1200 feet which is below the Class B shelf, which starts at 3,000 and goes up to 10,000 feet. Still busted the TFR, but didn’t bust the Bravo And odd thing, looks like the heliport may be in the Midway charlie (to surface). At any rate, looks like heli may be tied to a commercial operation "Fly Heli in Chicago". Dude is probably shooting off resumes to 21 and 22 Air. |
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Originally Posted By Spartan16: So what happens to the helo pilot after he ultimately lands? Huge fine? Loss of license? A slap on the wrist? At a minimum a long talk with feds. Probably looking at a suspension if not revocation of the license. Fines can be up to $100K. There are no slaps on the wrist, but I've read a few guys that got nailed by pop up TFRs or TFR expansions had the feds crawl up their asses but got much softer outcomes than typical because the TFRs changed while they were airborne. |
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Originally Posted By helogene: For "MOST" TFR incursions, we should be using armed helo's..... They are much more suited to intercept the average TFR violator..... But, you keep the fast movers for the "BIGGER" Airliner/Biz Jet type of threats... I would think an A-29 with a podded radar, a couple sidewinders and a small pod of APKWS with the A2A warheads would be a good interception platform for those kind of aircraft. Probably a lot cheaper maintenance wise then Apaches, too. |
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Originally Posted By MudEagle: The "on the brink of stalling" guy needs to look into high-AOA maneuvering in 4th Gen fighters, lol. Jets with leading edge slats and the power that a Block 40 or 50 Viper has don't stall like a general aviation aircraft. You can be down at sub-50 knots of airspeed well past stall AOA and still control the jet to Commercial PTS standards of heading/altitude/airspeed. I could do that in the F-15E, and the Eagle doesn't even have leading edge lift devices like a Viper or Hornet. That being said, helo intercepts are tough enough when you're intending to shoot 'em down. Having to do interception signals and close escort them is a big challenge. In the Strike for a short period we were qualified to do the SANDY mission, and the SANDY 3 and SANDY 4 roles are armed escort for the helo rescue package. The F-15E has to stay fast -- at least 350 knots -- when down low to stay maneuverable against MANPADS and other threats, and the speed differential with the rescue helos is substantial. That was one of the toughest mission checkrides I've ever taken due to that. Are you loitering around the LZ as or taking turns doing runs and keeping coverage with a wingman? |
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Originally Posted By safes2small: OA-1K Skyraider II would be good also. Originally Posted By safes2small: Originally Posted By helogene: For "MOST" TFR incursions, we should be using armed helo's..... They are much more suited to intercept the average TFR violator..... But, you keep the fast movers for the "BIGGER" Airliner/Biz Jet type of threats... OA-1K Skyraider II would be good also. Kind of limited on A2A weapons though. They can launch APKWS and Hellfire which both have anti air versions, but a Super Tucano can do the same thing and are also rated to carry AIM-9M's. Both platforms lack a radar, but I bet some bright fellow could figure out a way to put the little AESA radar that is being used on the MSHORAD Striker platforms and USMC MADIS into an underwing pod. That would then allow the aircraft to have an air intercept radar and a low end electronic warfare jammer at the same time. I would also bet that same pod would be pretty useful for other things the military does. |
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Originally Posted By Never_A_Wick: The 66 is a 1.5-2 million dollar helicopter, not sure I’d be embarrassed to own one. People that bag on Robinsons are dudes that have never flown in one or understand how they get used. All….. *ALL* aircraft have flight limitations, and the Robinsons are no exception. Even an F16 has performance parameters that have to be observed to safely fly the aircraft. With Robinsons, that limitations is that you must keep the rotor disc loaded, i.e. no negative G maneuvers. Outside of that, they are flown by students and low time pilots for the most part. You’ll always have high accident statistics with that kind of pilot mix. |
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Originally Posted By TheOtherDave: People that bag on Robinsons are dudes that have never flown in one or understand how they get used. All….. *ALL* aircraft have flight limitations, and the Robinsons are no exception. Even an F16 has performance parameters that have to be observed to safely fly the aircraft. With Robinsons, that limitations is that you must keep the rotor disc loaded, i.e. no negative G maneuvers. Outside of that, they are flown by students and low time pilots for the most part. You’ll always have high accident statistics with that kind of pilot mix. Well. R44s are gay. In all seriousness I am a full scale plank flyer and have I only flown RC helicopters but I think you’re right. There are a lot of them out there and a lot of students flying them. Mast bumping problems and inertia decay due to bad collective management seem to be the major issues…. But are things that can be trained out. |
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Originally Posted By Never_A_Wick: Well. R44s are gay. In all seriousness I am a full scale plank flyer and have I only flown RC helicopters but I think you’re right. There are a lot of them out there and a lot of students flying them. Mast bumping problems and inertia decay due to bad collective management seem to be the major issues…. But are things that can be trained out. Originally Posted By Never_A_Wick: Originally Posted By TheOtherDave: People that bag on Robinsons are dudes that have never flown in one or understand how they get used. All….. *ALL* aircraft have flight limitations, and the Robinsons are no exception. Even an F16 has performance parameters that have to be observed to safely fly the aircraft. With Robinsons, that limitations is that you must keep the rotor disc loaded, i.e. no negative G maneuvers. Outside of that, they are flown by students and low time pilots for the most part. You’ll always have high accident statistics with that kind of pilot mix. Well. R44s are gay. In all seriousness I am a full scale plank flyer and have I only flown RC helicopters but I think you’re right. There are a lot of them out there and a lot of students flying them. Mast bumping problems and inertia decay due to bad collective management seem to be the major issues…. But are things that can be trained out. I'm not saying they ain't gay. However, I have seen a number owned by people with more money than common sense, talent or skill. |
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Originally Posted By MudEagle: 1. Who is ID'ing these threats to determine what gets launched to go intercept 'em? 2. How many different assets in different locations would have to be sitting alert to make this scenario possible. 3. Think through the timeline and logistics of a slow-mover being launched to intercept another slow mover. The ability to rapidly intercept, ID, and interdict if needed before a threat aircraft can take any action is the core of the mission. I'm not sure people realize that presidential TFRs have about a thirty mile radius it would take a Blackhawk about ten minutes to go from one side to the opposite. In that time, a threat would only need to go about 90 mph to make it to the center. Then add in there the question of what type of armed helicopter? Something capable of downing an airplane of reasonable size. Can anything in our inventory other than an AH-1Z carry A2A missiles? And you still need a fast mover to cover the fast targets. |
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F-16 intercepts a Robinson R-66 helicopter over Chicago (Page 1 of 2)
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