Posted on 10/31/2025 3:37:47 PM PDT by E. Pluribus Unum
In a significant move, the USA has temporarily closed off the airspace surrounding Puerto Rico, following the issuance of a NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) to facilitate hot pit refueling operations. This specialized refueling technique, which involves refueling military aircraft with their engines still running, allows planes to take off quickly and efficiently, making it a critical part of military operations that require immediate readiness. As the USA and Puerto Rico ramp up their military preparedness, the closure serves as a key strategy in ensuring rapid response capabilities.
What Is Hot Pit Refueling?
Hot pit refueling is a highly specialized technique used in military aviation where aircraft are refueled with their engines still running. This process eliminates the need for aircraft to power down before refueling, drastically reducing the time required to get planes back into the air. In high-stakes operations, such as military exercises or potential combat scenarios, the ability to quickly refuel and re-deploy aircraft is essential for operational effectiveness.
This technique is particularly important for military forces that need to maintain a constant presence in the air. Puerto Rico, located in the Caribbean, has become a focal point for these operations, with military forces utilizing the local airport to conduct hot pit refueling procedures. The recent airspace closure is part of a larger strategy to ensure these operations can be carried out without interference from civilian air traffic.
Why Has the USA Closed Off Puerto Rico’s Airspace?
The closure of airspace near Puerto Rico is directly tied to the military’s need for operational readiness. By closing off the airspace, the USA ensures that there will be no civilian interference with the refueling operations, allowing for a controlled environment where military aircraft can quickly be refueled and sent back into....
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The US forces would have to be able to shutdown both Venezuelan airspace and Cuban airspace simultaneously for action in this theater of operations to ensure full air superiority.
I am not sure I see a problem there . . .
What does Cuba have that can be flown or launched in anger?
I USED TO LIVE IN N CALIF.
WHEN FOREST FIRES WERE BLAZING, PLANES DROPPING RETARDANT CAME INTO THE NEVADA CITY AIRPORT -—THEN AT THE FAR END-—GOT A NEW LOAD OF RETARDANT PUMPED INTO THE PLANE ANS TOOK OFF BACK DOWN THE RUNWAY.
THE PLANES WERE NEVER TURNED OFF-—DO NOT KNOW HOW OFTEN THEY WERE REFUELED......
IT WAS LIKE WATCHING AN INDY CAR OR NASCAR PIT STOP-—NO NONSENSE-—100% EFFICIENT.
HAVE NO IDEA OF THE GALLONS PER MINUTE THAT COULD BE PUMPED INTO THE PLANE, BUT IT WAS QUICK.
THOSE FIRE FIGHTER PLANES WERE A MARVEL.
THE SPOTTER PLANES HAD A DIFFERENT SOUND-—AND WHEN FIRE NOTICES WENT OUT-—WE WOULD WALK OUTSIDE TO LISTEN FOR THE SPOTTER PLANES TO DECIDE IF WE HAD TO EVACUATE —WITH HORSES
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