[aristeides]

There have been F-16's in the air over D.C. all the time the past couple of days. I don't see how a diverted plane gets anywhere near a target in D.C.

[phasma proeliator]

"I don't see how a diverted plane gets anywhere near a target in D.C. "

If it were a pilot willing to crash the plane - and the flight was already scheduled to land/take off from JFK, National, (wherever) they would be on the ground burning before the fighters could even try to intercept.

however none of these flights (apparently) were scheduled to land in DC (or near by). And - I agree - a DIVERTED plane would not have a chance. Unfortunately - as the Egyptian proved - it's not only diverted planes that we must worry about.

[Steve_Seattle]

"There have been F-16's in the air over D.C. all the time the past couple of days. I don't see how a diverted plane gets anywhere near a target in D.C."

The only way I could see it happening is if it were a direct flight into DC that was highjacked late in the flight, before we could respond. We might be able to shoot it down before it hit the Capitol, but it might come down in a populated area.

[alrea]

There have been F-16's in the air over D.C. all the time the past couple of days

and if a hijack attempt starts there's probably going to be all kinds of hardware coming out