Just Witnessed Possible CAP Flight Intercept

My own personal self | 1/4/02 | Psalm37

[psalm37]

About 30 Minutes ago, 6:10-ish Eastern Time I was outside and noticed three aircraft flying South. I'm inside the Beltway, in Northern VA (about 10 miles from DC); I'd guess these aircraft were not actually over DC, but close.

The lead aircraft was lit up like an airliner at low altitude, the other two were definitely CAP aircraft, with just white blinking beacons (one each). The CAPs came up behind the airliner at high speed then backed off to match speed with it. Then the CAP to the left sped up and came so close to the airliner that I could not distinguish which was which. I never heard any engine or other noises because they were all too far away, and at this time of evening, rush-hour traffic is in full swing - lots of ambient sounds.

Next they all started turning to the left and straightened out heading North-Eastward. At this time either the airliner or the CAP closest to it showed a new light, which was very intense, and looked yellow/orange. At this point I would have been looking at them from the rear and left. I watched this scene, including the new, intense, yellow/orange light for another 10-15 seconds before I lost sight of them in the trees.

At first I wondered if this was a mid-air re-fueling, with the brightest light being used for visibility purposes, but I wonder if they would re-fuel like that at such low altitude, and over such a highly populated area.

[dixie sass]

Mustn't forget the crackers. Perhaps a few chocolates also and don't forget the soothing music. Does your shelter come complete with a fireplace, Cyber?

[psalm37]

I agree, it could very well be our government making sure we know they're protecting us. They could have all been military planes. All I know is it was an unusual thing to see, and possibly worth reporting to my friends here.

[Don Joe]

"As far as he's concerned, he's on assignment in hostile territory."

I prefer to think of it as him leading the way to retake it.

[cardinal4]

Also, the CAPs usually fly at MUCH higher altitude, and at MUCH higher speed.

Thats correct,usually 50,000 ft,Im told.

[WSGilcrest]

If you're inside the Beltway, you're not a normal American and we can't trust your observations. Sorry

D.C., the Hershy town. 80% chocolate, 20% nuts.

[psalm37]

Usually all I see of the CAPs is a fast-moving blinking light (usually white) followed at a considerable distance by more noise than you'd hear from a DC-9 flying a pattern toward approach.

[cardinal4]

I'm about 3 miles off the end of that runway at Belvoir.

The 1-19 rwy at DCA?Used to be 18-36 before they reconfigured the rwys there.The visual approach to 18,and later 19,was prety neat.Join the offset localizer at the Rosslyn bridge and follow the river until a hard left to line up at about 500 ft.This approach is verboten now.You can depart to the north now,but only with a climbing left turn Past the Penatgon before joining the departure.I got some great shots from about 1500 ft off to the right of the Pentagon last week looking into the damaged part.Ill be posting those pics on my profile as soon as they are developed.

[cardinal4]

USAir Airbus 319 on the visual 19 at DCA

[MindyW]

Why yes, I would/could be your neighbor. Small world. :)

[US_MilitaryRules]

Ever heard of a KC-130 Tanker refueling some Warbirds? Give me some juice so I can patrol!

[psalm37]

Since 9/11 I've seen T.V. images of some extraordinary things our military does. The warplanes might be the most impressive of all; the (almost) total package. I've seen video of in-air refueling - very cool.

[Bullish]

They're trying to ignore the 500 lb. gorilla. The one that blows their multi-culture agenda all to hell.

[longshadow]

It was probably the CAP aircraft being refueled. I know it is not normal for aircraft to refuel low and over metro areas...but since Sep 11th...it has happened.

Interesting.... thanx for the "inside" scoop.

[mtman]

"We have an airfield at Fort Belvoir."...ahhh yes!..good ol DUSAA..Davidson United States Army Airfield...Spent some time there years ago keeping Gen. Westmorlands 2 UH-1's shinning like a pair of matched diamonds!...and even though he was long gone from office, Eisenhower, had a pair of helicopters there as well...

[NELSON111]

No problem....it freaked me out the first time I saw it too...but the Boss (no...not Bruce Springstien) set me straight:-)

[Dog Gone]

Ouch!

[the]

Check out this picture of a CAP intercept caught by a passenger in the skies over NYC.

http://www.airliners.net/open.file?id=208328

[OldFriend]

Thanks for posting your observations......not sure what's with all the kookburgers who are annoyed at your post. Guess they don't like their ostrich position to be disturbed.

[Ordie 1]

That would be combat air patrol!

[poindexter]

I used to live outside of Topeka Kansas, where a refuelling group is based. We used to see KC-135's
flying around a lot. I once saw a B-1 being refuelled at about 10,000 feet...or at least the B-1 was
close enough to the '135 to be refuelled.