Some idiot GA pilot flying a single-engine airplane ventured too close and entered the no-fly zone during this morning’s lift-off. They were shown flairs by the intercepts and escorted out of the zone. The aircraft landed at a small privately owned airfield. The idiot was caught trying to hide the aircraft from authorities and will face some stiff talking and probably fines and pilot license revocation. I can’t wait to hear what the pilot’s excuse is.
GA Pilot Escorted Away From Discovery Launch Zone
- Thread starter ERJ-135
- Start date
Timbuff10
Well-Known Member
This got me wondering. A few years ago I thought it would be cool to be able to fly along a few miles from the shuttle as it launched. Now, after learning about how secure that area is during a launch I understand that basically no one is allowed to get within viewing distance really no matter in the air or ground pretty much. Has anyone been to see a luanch and if so can you actually see anything other than a orange dot behind a white dot with smoke rising from the ground?
I would think you get about the same view when it orbits over your house?
Kind of a shame the only way you can see it is on TV.
I would think you get about the same view when it orbits over your house?
Kind of a shame the only way you can see it is on TV.
FlyingNole
New Member
Well up until 9/11 NASA was a pretty easy place to get in to on launch day. I remember I used to fly to KTIX (Space Coast Regional) which is right across the bay, and I'd watch the bird go up. We'd fly in about 30 min before liftoff and had no problems..Back in the day the restricted area was basically from 20 north to 20 south of the Cape and a bunch of airspace to the east. I flew to the first attempt of this launch and they were closing the airspace like 6 hours before the launch. It now encompassed about a 30nm radial from the DAB (daytona) VOR. It sucks, but its an okay price to pay. I have no sympathy for whoever strays into it..Just plain dumb.
Anyone ever done the NASA "aerial tour??" pretty dang neat....Unfortunately its not allowed post 9/11
Anyone ever done the NASA "aerial tour??" pretty dang neat....Unfortunately its not allowed post 9/11
blimpguy
New Member
Forget flying in, but definitely go. If you are an aviation nut, which I presume, this is one event you must see in your life. I was able to drive to the VIP area for the first back to flight launch of the shuttle back in 89 and it was incredible. With the naked eye, you can watch the shuttle right up until the solid rocket boosters separate. I would much rather be on the ground watching it than trying to divide my attention between watching and flying. You would never be able to track it that far into the sky while flying, anyway.
This is one of the pilgrimages which all aviators must complete before dying. Incidentally, I had a weather day yesterday (and today) in Milwaukee and was able to make another required pilgrimage to Oshkosh. There, I was able to watch the Rutan's White Night carry Spaceship One overhead, fly several low approaches and land. What an incredible stroke of luck. Thank you weather gods.
This is one of the pilgrimages which all aviators must complete before dying. Incidentally, I had a weather day yesterday (and today) in Milwaukee and was able to make another required pilgrimage to Oshkosh. There, I was able to watch the Rutan's White Night carry Spaceship One overhead, fly several low approaches and land. What an incredible stroke of luck. Thank you weather gods.
flyover
New Member
[ QUOTE ]
I understand that basically no one is allowed to get within viewing distance really no matter in the air or ground pretty much.
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LOL. How hard do you think it is to see this thing? Within 30 miles is a great view of this thing from the air. I don't know anything about how big the restricted airspace is, but I do know you can stay well clear and get an awesome view.
As for tehrarists (Tony) don't you suspect this is more to do with the lack of manuverability of the shuttle to avoid midair collisions? I'm almost positive that they've been restricting the airspace since before Mercury.
I understand that basically no one is allowed to get within viewing distance really no matter in the air or ground pretty much.
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LOL. How hard do you think it is to see this thing? Within 30 miles is a great view of this thing from the air. I don't know anything about how big the restricted airspace is, but I do know you can stay well clear and get an awesome view.
As for tehrarists (Tony) don't you suspect this is more to do with the lack of manuverability of the shuttle to avoid midair collisions? I'm almost positive that they've been restricting the airspace since before Mercury.
kellwolf
Piece of Trash
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Anyone ever done the NASA "aerial tour??" pretty dang neat....Unfortunately its not allowed post 9/11
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Did that on my Discovery flight WAY back when. It was pretty cool.
As for seeing it launch, I used to watch night launches from my balcony in ORLANDO. It's not really that tough to see. There's a "viewing area" over at the cape, but there's not much to view. Plus, since they scrub launches so often, everytime I've had passes to get in, the launch has been scrubbed and I couldn't make it to the follow up.
Might be cool to get into the VIP area, but after the first 30 seconds, it looks the same there as it does over the rest of Florida.
As for the flight restrictions, you need a transponder code just to do pattern work at ORL. Not too much further to the east, you can't fly at all unless it's scheduled air traffic.
Anyone ever done the NASA "aerial tour??" pretty dang neat....Unfortunately its not allowed post 9/11
[/ QUOTE ]
Did that on my Discovery flight WAY back when. It was pretty cool.
As for seeing it launch, I used to watch night launches from my balcony in ORLANDO. It's not really that tough to see. There's a "viewing area" over at the cape, but there's not much to view. Plus, since they scrub launches so often, everytime I've had passes to get in, the launch has been scrubbed and I couldn't make it to the follow up.
Might be cool to get into the VIP area, but after the first 30 seconds, it looks the same there as it does over the rest of Florida.
As for the flight restrictions, you need a transponder code just to do pattern work at ORL. Not too much further to the east, you can't fly at all unless it's scheduled air traffic.
Timbuff10
Well-Known Member
Photo of Shuttle Security
Those guys mean business!
So I am guessing the VIP area means it cost $$ to get in there or you have to know someone who works there?
Those guys mean business!
So I am guessing the VIP area means it cost $$ to get in there or you have to know someone who works there?
aloft
New Member
[ QUOTE ]
Some idiot GA pilot flying a single-engine airplane ...
The idiot was caught trying to hide the aircraft from authorities and will face some stiff talking and probably fines and pilot license revocation. I can’t wait to hear what the pilot’s excuse is.
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Jeez, whatever happened to "no harm, no foul"? Kinda harsh, dontcha think? Or are you already one of those types who forgot he used to be an inexperienced GA pilot himself?
The FAA isn't in the habit of routinely revoking the certs of people who bust the DC ADIZ and the prohibited areas around Camp David and the Bush ranch in Crawford, so I doubt this guy will have his tickets pulled--at least I *hope* that's the case. Seriously, it's not like he made a Kamikaze dive for the launch pad.
Some idiot GA pilot flying a single-engine airplane ...
The idiot was caught trying to hide the aircraft from authorities and will face some stiff talking and probably fines and pilot license revocation. I can’t wait to hear what the pilot’s excuse is.
[/ QUOTE ]
Jeez, whatever happened to "no harm, no foul"? Kinda harsh, dontcha think? Or are you already one of those types who forgot he used to be an inexperienced GA pilot himself?
The FAA isn't in the habit of routinely revoking the certs of people who bust the DC ADIZ and the prohibited areas around Camp David and the Bush ranch in Crawford, so I doubt this guy will have his tickets pulled--at least I *hope* that's the case. Seriously, it's not like he made a Kamikaze dive for the launch pad.
Wannabe2
New Member
I was up with my MEI student for the launch this morning. We were at about 8K or so and we had a pretty good view. There was thin haze layer up to about 5K or so, once we were above it, we could see pretty clearly from about 45 miles NW. It was also about 60 degrees up there, so it was comfortable to boot. I flew while he took some pictures, if any of them come out I will try to post them.
[ QUOTE ]
So I am guessing the VIP area means it cost $$ to get in there or you have to know someone who works there?
[/ QUOTE ] honestly, i don't know.. anyone else know?
I know that when i went, i was part of a student engineering group at UCF. I think the idea was based on how many you could fit into a car/van/suv/whatever. it was pretty fun trying to get all of us clowns in there!
So I am guessing the VIP area means it cost $$ to get in there or you have to know someone who works there?
[/ QUOTE ] honestly, i don't know.. anyone else know?
I know that when i went, i was part of a student engineering group at UCF. I think the idea was based on how many you could fit into a car/van/suv/whatever. it was pretty fun trying to get all of us clowns in there!
NASA workers and those who work for contractor companies get comp passes to view the launches. The last time I was invited for the VIP sight was during a night launch of the shuttle and all I can say is it was the most spectacular sight and sound one can imagine. The sky lights up as if it was day and then, after a few seconds, the rumble shakes your body and you can feel the ground tremors. Tears filled my eyes because it is one of man’s greatest achievements, and to be a witness of history, what a thrill.
Update to pilot who ventured to close to no-fly-zone: “ LAKE COUNTY, Plane enters restricted area: A pair of F-16 jet fighters chased a single-engine plane to north Lake County on Wednesday after the plane flew into restricted air space minutes before the space shuttle was to take off. The Piper Cub flew within 40 miles of the shuttle about 10:25 a.m. Two F-16’s were trying to get the pilot’s attention by flying near him and wagging their wings. When the Piper pilot did not respond, the fighter jets dropped flares. The plane landed at Deep Woods, a small airstrip near Paisley. The FAA asked the Lake County deputy sheriffs to patrol the area and find the pilot. Apparently the pilot took off from Deep Woods and landed at the Eustis Airport. The Piper’s pilot could face license suspension or revocation.
There is no excuse for this and I hope they find the pilot and take the necessary action. It just makes the GA community look like a bunch of pilots who do not follow regulations.
Update to pilot who ventured to close to no-fly-zone: “ LAKE COUNTY, Plane enters restricted area: A pair of F-16 jet fighters chased a single-engine plane to north Lake County on Wednesday after the plane flew into restricted air space minutes before the space shuttle was to take off. The Piper Cub flew within 40 miles of the shuttle about 10:25 a.m. Two F-16’s were trying to get the pilot’s attention by flying near him and wagging their wings. When the Piper pilot did not respond, the fighter jets dropped flares. The plane landed at Deep Woods, a small airstrip near Paisley. The FAA asked the Lake County deputy sheriffs to patrol the area and find the pilot. Apparently the pilot took off from Deep Woods and landed at the Eustis Airport. The Piper’s pilot could face license suspension or revocation.
There is no excuse for this and I hope they find the pilot and take the necessary action. It just makes the GA community look like a bunch of pilots who do not follow regulations.
blimpguy
New Member
As for the VIP passes, I had a friend whos father was a carpenter for NASA (no kidding). He and virtually anyone who works for NASA can get the passes. Also, virtually anyone who lives in Cocoa/Merritt Island area probably works there or knows someone who does. Oddly, most of the people I heard about that had the passes had seen enough launches and didn't want the pass! I assume that they are still fairly available if you ask around Florida. Good luck
[ QUOTE ]
Some idiot GA pilot flying a single-engine airplane ventured too close and entered the no-fly zone during this morning’s lift-off. They were shown flairs by the intercepts and escorted out of the zone. The aircraft landed at a small privately owned airfield. The idiot was caught trying to hide the aircraft from authorities and will face some stiff talking and probably fines and pilot license revocation. I can’t wait to hear what the pilot’s excuse is.
[/ QUOTE ]
Looks like the pilot knew he was in hot water and split!
http://www.cnn.com/2005/TECH/space/07/28/shuttle.plane/index.html
Some idiot GA pilot flying a single-engine airplane ventured too close and entered the no-fly zone during this morning’s lift-off. They were shown flairs by the intercepts and escorted out of the zone. The aircraft landed at a small privately owned airfield. The idiot was caught trying to hide the aircraft from authorities and will face some stiff talking and probably fines and pilot license revocation. I can’t wait to hear what the pilot’s excuse is.
[/ QUOTE ]
Looks like the pilot knew he was in hot water and split!
http://www.cnn.com/2005/TECH/space/07/28/shuttle.plane/index.html
Grabo172
Well-Known Member
I'm with Coury on this one... how much money did the Gov waste on this CUB?
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The civilian Piper Cub had gotten within 20 miles of the launch site just three minutes before Discovery's liftoff before being intercepted by two Air Force F-16s.
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let's see... a cub can cover 4 miles in 3 minutes... so NO CHANCE IN HECK it could've gotten to the launch site.. AND
It took them 20 miles to intercept a 65 MPH cub... that's about 19 minutes... (in my best Chief Wiggum Voice) That's some good inteceptn' Lou
WASTE -O- MONEY
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The civilian Piper Cub had gotten within 20 miles of the launch site just three minutes before Discovery's liftoff before being intercepted by two Air Force F-16s.
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let's see... a cub can cover 4 miles in 3 minutes... so NO CHANCE IN HECK it could've gotten to the launch site.. AND
It took them 20 miles to intercept a 65 MPH cub... that's about 19 minutes... (in my best Chief Wiggum Voice) That's some good inteceptn' Lou
WASTE -O- MONEY