US makes shootdown warning to pilots

America’s Federal Aviation Administration has warned pilots that they could be forced to land - or even be shot down - if they enter restricted airspace.

The FAA also allowed some news helicopters and blimps - small airships - back in the skies, but not near 28 major urban centres, including New York, Washington and Los Angeles.

The agency’s notice to pilots said that, as a last resort, they could be shot down by military planes if they entered restricted airspace.

Before the September 11 terrorist attacks, pilots who flew into off-limits areas first faced a warning from air traffic control and then would be fined or could lose their licences.

But the FAA yesterday told pilots that they would be intercepted by military aircraft in such circumstances.

Pentagon officials said earlier this week that two Air Force generals now have the authority to order the military to shoot down any plane threatening a US city.

Dozens of American cities are being patrolled by F-15s and F-16s.

Restricted areas are closed to civil aviation, including passenger jets and private planes.

All US-registered pilots are getting a letter from FAA Administrator Jane Garvey telling them of the new procedures, the agency said.