| US pilots told they may be shot down if they into fly off-limit areas |
Pilots are being warned they could be forced to land - or even be shot down - if they enter restricted US airspace.
The Federal Aviation Administration notice to pilots says that, as a last resort, they could be shot down by military planes.
Before the US terror attacks, pilots who flew into off-limits areas first faced a warning from air traffic control and would then be fined or lose their licences.
The FAA also allowed some news helicopters and blimps - small airships - back in the skies, but not near 28 major urban centres.
But the FAA yesterday told pilots that they would be intercepted by military aircraft in such circumstances.
Pentagon officials say earlier this week that two Air Force generals now have the authority to order the military to shoot down any plane threatening a US city.
Dozens of American cities are being patrolled by F-15s and F-16s.
Restricted areas are closed to civil aviation, including passenger jets and private planes.
All US-registered pilots are getting a letter from FAA Administrator Jane Garvey telling them of the new procedures, the agency says.
Story filed: 00:41 Saturday 29th September 2001
|
