[incomingpain]

That can't be true.

https://tfr.faa.gov/save_pages/detail_1_1155.html

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.

[Alupis]

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.

[1] https://aeronav.faa.gov/visual/03-24-2022/PDFs/Washington.pd...