>UPDATE Police say ‘no threat’ at US Capitol after evacuation. Evacuation at the U.S. Capitol caused by U.S. Army team skydiving into stadium for the Washington Nationals.
So, the US Capitol didn't think to ask the ATC why there was a plane there, considering that's the purpose of the ATC? That seems even less likely.
My naive assumption is that one of the main purposes of these organizations, that we spend an incredible amount of money on, is to create, ready, and follow clear processes. What the heck are they doing with all that money/time? Does all this get reset with every election, or something?
The 9/11 hijacked planes were also emitting tracking signals. A military plane entering the Capitol exclusion zone unexpectedly might trigger an alert if they can't immediately figure out why it is there, in case it's being piloted by someone who has gone rogue.
According to the AP, at no time did this aircraft enter prohibited airspace[1].
Radar tracking data shows the plane, a De Havilland Twin
Otter, remained clear of the prohibited airspace over the
Capitol Building and other government complexes at all
times.
The prohibted space is surface to 18,000 feet and stretched well beyond washington dc. I saw the circling, the plane absolutely would have entered prohibited airspace if not been inside of it the entire time.
Mind you... you just need to get approval from ATC and you can fly into that space. They without a doubt had that permission.
I think you're misunderstanding the NOTAM. It's a Flight Restricted area that's 30NM around DC, but it's not prohibited. Prohibited is only right around the actual capitol, and can be seen clearly marked as "Prohibited" on the charts[1].
Inside the Restricted area, VFR aircraft flying up to FL180 are restricted to 180Kts indicated airspeed, and from 30-60NM restricted to 230Kts indicated. You are also required to be in contact with ATC before entering this airspace.
So... no, the aircraft violated no rules/regulations at any time. Seems to be an overly jumpy US Capitol detail that didn't think to contact the relevant authorities before evacuating everyone... which is strange to say the least.
Though in this case, I believe both DCA Tower and Approach were aware of this operation, and so the pilots are OK, just the Capitol Police didn't get the word. I'm certain they have radar (or at least a radar feed), and so would have been justifiably concerned.
>UPDATE Police say ‘no threat’ at US Capitol after evacuation. Evacuation at the U.S. Capitol caused by U.S. Army team skydiving into stadium for the Washington Nationals.
Major evacuation because of adsb emitting plane?
No I doubt this.