Air Traffic Control Scolds Spirit Pilot Near Air Force One, FAA Investigates
Air Traffic Control Scolds Spirit Pilot Near Air Force One, FAA Investigates
A Spirit Airlines pilot received a stern reprimand from air traffic control earlier this week after failing to promptly respond to instructions while Air Force One, carrying President Donald Trump, was flying approximately eight miles away. The incident occurred over Long Island as Air Force One transported President Trump to the United Kingdom and Spirit Flight 1300 was en route from Fort Lauderdale to Boston Logan International Airport.
Audio from LiveATC.net reveals controllers repeatedly instructing Spirit 1300 to make a 20-degree right turn. After several seconds of no response, the controller’s tone escalated, stating, “Pay attention, Spirit 1300. Turn 20 degrees right.” Further attempts were needed before the pilot acknowledged the instruction.
Later in the flight, the controller again admonished the pilot for slow responses, remarking, “I got to talk to you twice every time. Pay attention, get off of the iPad.” Pilots frequently use tablets as electronic flight bags for navigation and flight data, though the reason for the pilot’s delayed responses remains unclear.
Spirit Airlines released a statement asserting that their pilots “followed procedures and Air Traffic Control instructions,” prioritizing safety. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed awareness of the social media buzz surrounding the encounter but stated that the aircraft maintained the required safe distance. The incident was initially highlighted by the aviation account JonNYC on BlueSky.
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