CBP Intercepts CGAUX Aircraft in Mock Super Bowl Exercise

[Spaceman3750]

Watching some older episodes of Border Wars and stumbled on this episode. I was a little disappointed, when the show introduced the exercise I was really hoping to see a CAP aircrew instead, but this is a cool first-hand look at a Border Patrol aerial interception of a CGAUX aircrew preparing for a Super Bowl TFR.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fWy9tT9z96c&list=TLOcu1dgejzvx0jmpxsEQ-VFLOCGWq1s7g#

I, for one, wasn't aware that helos were used in aerial interceptions (or that CBP agents performed them).

The cool stuff is in the first 7 minutes.

[Brad]

Makes sense, helos can stay on station at a given location a lot longer and easier than a fighter jet that's doing his best simply to keep from stalling at the slow speeds he's forced to fly at. I've been on plenty of the intercept drills, and for the jets timing is key so they still have time to get home.

[Chaplaindon]

Semper Paratus!

[Huey Driver]

Yep, helicopters are pretty typical for Homeland Security intercepts. CGAS Atlantic City has a small facility at DCA where they launch helos for intercepts. It's pretty much the same deal as CBP, but the Coast Guard also has these scrolling signs installed to communicate.

http://www.myfoxdc.com/story/23392511/flying-dcs-no-fly-zone-with-the-coast-guard#axzz2n6nZLopZ

Back at Atlantic City, they practice interceptions with the CGAUX for a couple hours, a few nights per week. I wish CAP could get more involved!