Military aircraft following commercial airliner

12/19/05 | Jigsaw John

[Jigsaw John]

Just observed what appeared to be 3 or 4 jet aircraft, (military type fighter aircraft), following a commercial airliner, westbound into LAX about 2 minutes ago. From the OC area.

My first thought was possibly AF-1 but I don't think POTUS is in the region.

[Walkingfeather]

we can track them ourselves....

http://www4.passur.com/lax.html

[billhilly]

It was John Travolta entertaining his Air Force buddies.

[Jigsaw John]

Well, it may have sounded crazy, but all three of us saw it. What was most interesting was the commercial aircraft that was right on the westbound pattern was very lit up. All cabin lights appeared to be illuminated. As soon as it passed the Diamond Bar area westbound, the military aircraft descended, and all appeared to follow just below and behind the commercial aircraft westbound and out of sight.

[conservative in nyc]

From my experience, the airlines turn the cabin lights on shortly before landing to do their seat belt and tray table safety checks. They then usually shut the lights off for landing after dark, since it's easier to see outside from a dark environment into the light. So if something happens, you'd be able to tell which exits are blocked more easily. That's also the main reason window shades must be up for landing, as best I know.

[DCBryan1]

Holy crap, is that Bill Kringtong's plane sitting on the runway getting a 7 hour, $2,000.00 haircut?

[Jigsaw John]

I am familiar with that site. If you see anything from about to 1810 to 1820 let me know. About 30 miles east of LAX on the normal westbound approach.

[Arkinsaw]

I just saw one on that link at 600 ft, then 400 ft, then off the screen. Was over Exposition Blvd. for quite a while and had no ident info. Helicopter maybe? Supposed to be a different symbol for a chopper though.

[California74]

It was probably just Al Sharpton or Jesse Jackson arriving for Tookie Williams' funeral tomorrow or somethin... ;)

[cmsgop]

Well Done with Style my friend, I will be flying into Palm Springs on the 25th,Have a Limo waiting for me,rental cars are such a bore......

[Dr. Eckleburg]

bump

[Jigsaw John]

No, we are very familiar with the westbound approach about 30 mi east. The illumination of this aircraft was very unusual. All of us commented on it as soon as we saw it approaching from the east. It passed directly to the north of us, and was unusually lit up. Every cabin light appeared to be on, and all the shades appeared to be up.

[GOPJ]

What do you think? Why is this happening?

[Jigsaw John]

No idea.

[billhilly]

You must not have gotten the memo. That was a 7 hour bj from the wife of a well known movie mogul.

[lexington minuteman 1775]

Put my tinfoil hat on. Now I am ready for anything.

[Arkinsaw]

Went back and looked on that site, it has a replay button. From around 18:35 to around 18:42 there is one that just keeps circling around and around in a tight circle at I-110 and Exposition Blvd at 600 feet, then it drops to 400. It keeps that up for awhile and then disappears off radar at 18:42....poof. Any idea what that is? First time I have seen that site.

[MindBender26]

The rule is so that if there is a crash on landing, you will be able to see clearly if there is any fire on your side of the A/C, so you will know which side to evacuate on.

[Velveeta]

ping

[Jigsaw John]

That's exactly what they were doing, but further east near our location. Got the impression they were circling waiting for the aircraft to approach, then descended and appeared to follow in behind and below it.

[Walkingfeather]

I found the site last week too. That low sounds like a bird (police copter) cant see a jet making that tight of turns at that low of altitude....unless he is dodging a sam...