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.

[Cyber Liberty]

I dunno. Sounds like the end of the world to me. I better stock up the old bomb shelter with plenty of cheese and wine.

[Lazamataz]

If we hear about a forced landing later, then FR will have its crown as the Breaking News forum, what with 50,000 or more pairs of eyes all over this land, watching, watching, watching....

[be-baw]

and a CAP is what? Civilian Air Patrol?

[Dog Gone]

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

[Cyber Liberty]

Sounds like a plan. Hold on while I go fetch my scope.

[eniapmot]

CAP doesn't fly interceptors. Maybe Guard.

[Cyber Liberty]

Crazy Armed Pilots.

[Uncle Fud]

Well, it could be the Citizens' Auxiliary Police, but I'd be on Combat Air Patrol

[dts32041]

are you referring to civil air patrol or a combat air patrol

[Azzurri]

The folks on that airliner are probably hoping they don't put a CAP in the plane's you know what.

[Churchillspirit]

Some brie and a nice tawny port.

[psalm37]

Combat Air Patrol. Our President used the term recently in a press conference.

[Cagey]

I was outside and noticed three aircraft flying South. I'm inside the Beltway....

Now, I'm confused.

[coloradan]

With 49,950 of those pairs of eyes glued to a computer screen!

[ctonious]

You will soon be visited by sinister men in black who will very slowly but forcefully insist that what you saw was a flock of geese heading south.

[aculeus]

Some Friday night drunk caused a problem.

CAP is costing us big bucks but it's worth it.

[DainBramage]

Maybe they were running an escort with a VIP Military plane.

[psalm37]

Hey now! This untrustworthy person voted for Ronald Reagan at the age of 18, while still in High School! I never have been a DIMwit, and generally disagree with modern Libertariansines.

[Lazamataz]

Sounds like a plan. Hold on while I go fetch my scope.

Your breath isn't that bad..... ;^)