[auboy]

I heard (in one report) that the pilots were not on instruments, but were flying by sight. I have a question for those of you who are pilots, especially small plane pilots. How many cities between Eastern PA and NC look like Washington, DC from the air?

I have flown over DC and looked down (in a commercial jet) and Washington's distinct circular design was very apparent. Of course, my view was from a higher altitude than most small planes fly, I would imagine. I just find it hard to believe one could not recognize DC in the distance, especially on a clear day.

[xsmommy]

that was my feeling exactly. i live here and the city is distinctly recognizable from the air. you can see the monuments, for Gods sake. it was a clear day when this happened and there is no reason, in my mind, why these guys couldn't just LOOK DOWN and know they were where they shouldn't be!

because i am in close proximity to the buildings that are likely targeted, i would PREFER overreaction regardless of plane size, because i would definitely be in a zone affected by any resulting toxicity. doesn't matter that a panel truck could do the same damage, they need to guard against both.

[mhking]

I just find it hard to believe one could not recognize DC in the distance, especially on a clear day.

Go to Maps.Google.com, and select "Satellite." Plug in a zip code like 20910 (for example). I then challenge you to tell me where you are - especially if you zoom in one more factor (which is still higher than you would be in a Cessna).

And for the record, that zip code is in downtown Silver Spring, MD on the DC border -- well inside the no-fly zone, and only a couple of miles from Walter Reed Medical Center; about 7 or 8 miles north of the White House.

It's possible to not know where you are, especially if you're just learning to fly.