Harold Stetson Loc: Marquam 97038

Shortly after 9/11 we were asked to act as an intercepted aircraft so the F15s could practice. We jumped at the chance. We had about 6 F 15s intercept us but this was the only 1 that came up on the pilot's side and came in close. He had just moved away for phase two which is the flare. Phase one is the intercept and wagging his wings while trying to make contact on guard. Phase three is splash it. It was just a little Cannon camera but I love the photo.

RichinSeattle

What were you flying? Military or civilian? I'm not sure what the purpose of the flare was. Maybe just to get your attention?

Harold Stetson Loc: Marquam 97038

I was flying a C12 which Army and is a King Air 200 civilian. I was military. The flare is meant to be the final warning that they are going to be shot down if they don't comply and follow the jet or answer the jet. Every aircraft should be able to receive a transmission on guard frequency 121.5 or 243.0. The aircraft intercepts and tries to get the pilots attention. Wags the wings then fires the flares as a final warning. This would be usually in an ADIZ or restricted area such as DC. We have to be signed of with special training just to flying into Washington DC as well as special flight plan and clearance.

RichinSeattle

Thanks, Harold. Very interesting to this aviation buff. BTW, I'm glad you respected the flare; splashing probably is not fun.

Harold Stetson Loc: Marquam 97038

We were doing it so the F15 guys could practice. I was on a mission across the US. I had been in Alabama two nights before and Helena Mt the night before. We swung through the training area the MOA just South East of Redmond for the rendezvous with the 15s. I was flying for Oregon Army Guard and they were Oregon Air Guard. We were dispatched by OSCOM out of DC and they had the responsibility for defense of the West Coast. We all try to help one another when we can. Back then I flew a lot of Air Guard police to Nevada to help with security around some of the secret stuff we have going on there. We were all on edge security wise.