Civil Air Patrol is participating for the 24th straight year this week in an exercise with the U.S. Air Force to help the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) ensure the safety and security of airspace around the Super Bowl, set for Feb. 9 at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans.
“Civil Air Patrol is an indispensable partner in our air defense efforts, bringing valuable capabilities and expertise to the table,” said Air Force Lt. Gen. Luke Ahmann, Continental U.S. NORAD Region (CONR) commander.
“As we prepare to secure the skies for Super Bowl LIX, CAP’s expertise and dedication will be instrumental in helping us enforce the Temporary Flight Restriction over Caesars Superdome, showcasing their invaluable contribution to our collective efforts to safeguard the nation’s airspace.”
“As a proud Total Force partner of the Air Force, Civil Air Patrol stands ready to participate in this important mission each year,” said Maj. Gen. Regena M. Aye, CAP’s national commander/CEO.
“These exercises are critical to protecting America’s airspace,” Aye said.
To help NORAD fighter aircrews maintain their proficiency, CAP, acting in its role as U.S. Air Force auxiliary, provides single-engine aircraft that fly into simulated restricted airspace as a target of interest so the military crews can practice intercept techniques.
When NORAD jets intercept the CAP aircraft, the military pilot attempts to make radio contact and safely guide the CAP plane out of the restricted airspace.
In practice scenarios, the CAP pilot may not initially respond to radio calls and will ignore instructions to change course. In that case, the fighter jet performs a “headbutt” maneuver, flying through the CAP plane’s flight path. This maneuver provides both an obvious visual cue of the intercept and creates turbulence to get the pilot’s attention as the jet passes in front of the CAP aircraft at a safe distance.
CAP is involved in similar exercises around the U.S. throughout the year to test airspace security. The exercises are carried out as part of Operation Noble Eagle, launched by CONR after the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks. Along with CONR’s Western Air Defense Sector and CAP, the exercises are conducted in coordination with the Federal Aviation Administration and may also involve Customs and Border Protection.
In 2024, CAP aircrews participated in 301 aircraft intercept missions — nearly one per day — nationwide.
In typical training exercises, one or two Civil Air Patrol single-engine aircraft fly as intercept tracks of interest for NORAD fighter jets. CAP’s “low and slow” aircraft are considered ideal for these exercises. An additional CAP aircraft, known as a “high bird,” may fly as a communications hub coordinating radio traffic from participants on the ground and in the air.
The FAA routinely implements Temporary Flight Restrictions around major events like the Super Bowl, national special security activities, VIP visits, and natural or manmade disasters. Airspace around these areas is restricted from all general aviation traffic for a specific radius and time to ensure no aircraft enter. The restrictions are enforced by NORAD, which has fighter aircraft patrolling the area during the restriction.
Acting as a Total Force partner and the Air Force auxiliary, Civil Air Patrol helps First Air Force rapidly respond to nonmilitary threats domestically in a Defense Support of Civil Authorities capacity to save lives, relieve suffering, prevent property damage, and provide humanitarian assistance.
