Spirit Pilot Told to ‘Pay Attention’ While Flying Near Air Force One

The incident occurred as Spirit Airlines Flight 1300 traveled from Fort Lauderdale to Boston Logan International Airport.

Kelly McBride Ni

Published: 9/17/2025, 2:41:34 PM EDT

Spirit Pilot Told to ‘Pay Attention’ While Flying Near Air Force One — A Spirit Airlines commercial aircraft after takeoff from Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas, on Feb. 8, 2024. (Mike Blake/Reuters)

A Spirit Airlines pilot was scolded by air traffic control on Tuesday after failing to promptly respond to instructions while flying parallel to Air Force One over Long Island.

The incident occurred as Spirit Airlines Flight 1300 traveled from Fort Lauderdale to Boston Logan International Airport. At the same time, Air Force One, carrying President Donald Trump to the United Kingdom, was flying about eight miles away, according to audio recordings.

“Spirit 1300, turn 20 degrees right,” a New York Center controller instructed, according to the recording. After five seconds of silence, the controller repeated the order more firmly: “Pay attention, Spirit 1300. Turn 20 degrees right.”

It took two more attempts before the Spirit pilot responded to acknowledge the turn. The controller continued pressing, saying, “Spirit 1300, turn 20 degrees right now. Spirit wings, 1300 turn 20 degrees right immediately.”

The controller later warned the crew about nearby traffic. “Spirit 1300, traffic is off of your left wing by eight miles. 747. I’m sure you can see who it is,” the controller said. “Keep an eye out for him, he’s white and blue.”

The exchange continued when the Spirit pilot again failed to answer another radio call. “I got to talk to you twice every time,” the controller said. “Pay attention, get off the iPad.”

In a statement emailed to NTD, a Spirit spokesperson said, “Spirit Airlines flight 1300 (FLL-BOS) followed procedures and Air Traffic Control (ATC) instructions while en route to Boston (BOS) and landed uneventfully at BOS. Safety is always our top priority.”

The incident drew attention after aviation-focused social media account JonNYC shared the recording on Blue Sky.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) gives Air Force One and other presidential aircraft special priority in U.S. airspace. According to FAA Order 7210.3, supervisors must closely monitor aircraft as they pass through their airspace, and controllers are required to coordinate in advance with the White House staff. The FAA order ensures the president’s plane receives priority handling, with constant oversight to maintain safety and security.

According to The White House’s website, Air Force One is one of the most recognizable symbols of the presidency. “Emblazoned with the words 'United States of America,' the American flag, and the Seal of the President of the United States, it is an undeniable presence wherever it flies,” it states.

Air Force One is managed by the Presidential Airlift Group, a unit of the White House Military Office. It traces its origins to 1944, when President Franklin D. Roosevelt established the Presidential Pilot Office.