RAF prepares for Olympic air restrictions

The RAF is working alongside the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and
the UK Department of Transport, to prepare for the air restrictions which will
be enforced throughout the London Olympics.

The CAA is working to make pilots and aircraft operators aware
of the air spaces which will be restricted and prohibited from July 14 – August 15, whilst
the RAF will be policing the skies throughout the duration of the Games.

Should any aircraft fail to comply with the rules of the
restricted zone – which covers virtually all of South-East England – or enter the
prohibited air space above London without authorisation, a RAF spokesman warns:
“The consequences are quite clear.”

“If your aircraft fails to comply, you will find a Typhoon
on your wing very soon after” he says.

In the event of finding yourself in such a position, pilots
are being instructed to rock the wings of the aircraft in their possession,
follow the Typhoon that has intercepted them, and turn away from London.
Failure to do this will result in more extreme measures to be taken by the RAF.

To cope with the extra demands of the Games, the RAF will be
transporting Typhoons to Northolt in West London, and Pumas to Illford, which
are currently held in Scotland and Lincolnshire.