Reply #9: Fighter interception [View All]

[DemoTex]

As a retired airline pilot, I have mixed emotions on this one. Mobuto has a point, in his usual low-key style. The decision is not in the hands of the F-16 driver. However, the only info back to our always-alert Mr. Bu$h might be from that newly-minted 1st El-Tee.

There is a good possibility that the intercepted airliner is "non-com" or "nordo" (no communications). Then the situation is a totally subjective evaluation of a young fighter pilot. I anticipated this kind of thing long ago. To that end, I always briefed my co-pilot on the use of the white hankey. Maybe, just maybe, the fighters will check fire if they see a white flag from the cockpit.