'Get Off The IPad!': ATC Yells At Spirit Airlines Pilot After Near Miss With Trump's Air Force One Over New York

Air traffic controllers sharply reprimanded a Spirit Airlines flight from Fort Lauderdale to Boston after it strayed close to Air Force One over Long Island, New York.

The tense exchange on 16 September 2025, recorded on LiveATC.net, captured controllers ordering the Airbus A321 crew to adjust course and warning of a Boeing 747- President Trump's aircraft- flying nearby en route to the United Kingdom for a state visit.

Though both planes were separated by about 9,000 feet, the rare on-air confrontation underscored the strict measures taken to protect presidential airspace.

How the Incident Unfolded

Spirit Airlines Flight 1300, an Airbus A321, was cruising northbound when controllers instructed the pilots to turn 20 degrees to the right. At the same time, Air Force One, a Boeing VC-25A carrying US President, on his way to the United Kingdom for a state visit, had recently departed Joint Base Andrews.

The crew delayed responding, prompting repeated instructions. When the pilots did not respond immediately, one controller grew frustrated, saying: 'I got to talk to you twice every time? Pay attention. Get off the iPad.' Controllers also warned of 'traffic off your left wing by six or eight miles... 747,' a reference to Air Force One.

Despite the tense exchange, both planes remained safely separated. Reports confirmed a vertical distance of around 9,000 feet between the two aircraft, well within safety margins. Spirit's flight continued to Boston and landed as scheduled.

Why Controllers Mentioned the iPad

The remark about 'the iPad' referred to electronic flight bags (EFBs) tablets used by commercial pilots for navigation charts, weather data and performance calculations. The devices are authorised by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and widely used across the industry. However, the exchange highlighted controller concerns about potential distractions in busy or sensitive airspace.

Because Air Force One was in the area, controllers were under additional pressure to ensure strict separation. Presidential aircraft receive enhanced monitoring, with protective airspace often established along their route. Any nearby civilian traffic is subject to immediate instructions from controllers, even if separation standards are not breached.

The Stakes Around Air Force One

The incident drew attention because of both the presence of Air Force One and the blunt tone used by controllers. Aviation experts noted that controllers often speak sharply in high-pressure situations to ensure instructions are followed quickly. While the rebuke was unusual to hear, officials emphasised that passengers were never in danger.

Air Force One itself carries symbolic and practical weight. The heavily modified Boeing 747 is equipped with secure communications and defensive systems, making any nearby aircraft a potential concern. The Spirit flight's proximity, even within safe limits, naturally attracted extra scrutiny.

The exchange also highlighted a broader issue in aviation: striking a balance between relying on digital tools and maintaining situational awareness. While EFBs have replaced mainly paper manuals and improved efficiency, critics argue that the heavy reliance on tablets can divert attention at crucial moments.

Industry Reactions and Safety Context

Aviation experts said controllers often use sharp tones in high-pressure situations to ensure rapid responses.

While the language caught attention, specialists emphasised that passengers were never in danger.

The incident, they noted, highlights the tension between reliance on digital tools and the need for constant situational awareness in busy skies.

What Comes Next

The FAA has not announced an investigation, and no disciplinary action has been confirmed against Spirit Airlines.

In a statement, the carrier said its crew complied with all safety procedures.

For travellers, the episode is a reminder that unusual exchanges between pilots and controllers do not necessarily indicate danger. But for aviation watchers, it offered a rare glimpse into how seriously US authorities protect presidential airspace and how quickly controllers act to keep it clear.