Saw an interception yesterday!

I keep the intercept info in my flight bag, an Aviation Safety
magazine handout.

Circling is called out as an alternate identification method for a
very slow aircraft.

and abrupt breakaway from target means "you may proceed"

So the Raptor driver sounds about right, other then possibly coming
too close. But if they are trying to see inside, I can see doing it.

I think it would be impossible to not startle someone with an F-22.






On Fri, 25 May 2007 02:57:11 -0000, Jim Logajan
wrote:

Dana M. Hague d(dash)m(dash)hague(at)comcast(dot)net wrote:
Later, a non pilot friend said he saw it, too... the jet chased the
Cessna (which from his description must have been a Skymaster) from
the east, S-turning to avoid overrunning it, circled it passing REAL
close a few times (about when I saw it), then headed back.

The "circling" and "REAL close" aspects don't appear to conform to what
the AIM describes as typical and safe intercept:

"5-6-2. Interception Procedures
[...]
In all situations, the interceptor aircrew will use caution to avoid
startling the intercepted aircrew and/or passengers.
[...]
The flight leader will then initiate a gentle closure toward the
intercepted aircraft, stopping at a distance no closer than absolutely
necessary to obtain the information needed. The interceptor aircraft
will use every possible precaution to avoid startling intercepted
aircrew or passengers."

From:

http://www.faa.gov/airports_airtraff...5/aim0506.html