From the last paragraphs of an updated article:
Kucharek said it costs roughly $50,000 per hour/per jet to scramble F-16s. From the time the plane was initially intercepted over Lake Superior near the Michigan Upper peninsular until it landed on the Missouri highway, it was followed by two F-16s for more than five hours — a likely tab of $500,000.
According to the Federal Aviation Administration, the plane was flying for a while at 14,500 feet. Over 10,000 feet the air is quite thin and commercial planes would be pressurized, but the Cessna 172 is not. As a result, the pilot could be suffering from hypoxia, or lack of oxygen, which can lead to confusion.
The plane later dropped its altitude to 3,700 feet, where there is more oxygen.
Another government official said the plane did not seem to be showing any hostile intent.
“It had opportunities to go into heavily populated areas, and it has not done so,” the official said. “It appears to be veering around. Not going to urban air space.”
Not a terrorist, I don’t think. Maybe some kid who felt a strong need to see his girlfriend?
In Elsinore, Missouri? (Pop. 360)
The student pilot:
Rusnok said Leon was born in Turkey with the name Yavuz Berke, but moved to Canada and became a naturalized citizen last year.
Nothing to see here, move along.