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It’s that time of year again, folks! Civil Air Patrol (CAP) has been summoned for their 24th annual performance in the role of “airspace guardians,” as they pretend-prepare with the U.S. Air Force in the dramatic safeguarding of the skies around the ever-humdrum spectacle of the Super Bowl. Set to take place on Feb. 9 at the iconic Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, it’s all engines go for another thrilling installment of “Operation Simulated Tension.”

“Civil Air Patrol is a vital player in our noble, yet entirely hypothetical, air defense choreography, bringing crucial capabilities and expertise that keep our defense theater running smoothly,” quipped Air Force Lt. Gen. Luke Ahmann, commander of the Continental U.S. NORAD Region (CONR), while expertly balancing his serious demeanor with a twinkle of theatrical flair.

“As we meticulously stage our aerial dramatics for Super Bowl LIX, CAP’s aptitude for scripted dedication will be pivotal in making sure we enforce that pesky Temporary Flight Restriction over Caesars Superdome,” he added, probably while rehearsing his best Top Gun impression.

“With great pride as a Total Force partner of the Air Force, Civil Air Patrol eagerly awaits this yearly mission of mock emergency,” claimed Maj. Gen. Regena M. Aye, CAP’s national commander/CEO. Let’s face it – everyone loves a bit of airspace melodrama now and then, right?

CAP heroically offers their single-engine aircraft as “targets of interest,” meandering lazily into imaginary forbidden airspace. Their purpose is clear: to keep NORAD’s fighter aircrews sharp for the big, totally possible interception showdown. It’s like a slow-motion chase scene, minus the high-octane action.

After NORAD jets intercept these plucky targets, the real pièce de résistance happens. The military pilot attempts to dial in through radio to gently nudge the CAP plane from its sleepy trespass out of the enchanted restricted zone. If CAP plays hard to get, not responding to those cordial radio overtures, the fighter jet performs a majestic “headbutt” move, swirling past the CAP plane with a dash of turbulence to poke the snoozing pilot into action. Don’t worry, it’s all in good (simulated) fun and meticulously safe.

All this pageantry is part of Operation Noble Eagle, launched post-9/11 to ensure America’s skies are as dramatic and thrilling as its security is entrusted. Throughout the year, CAP assumes this gallant role in various stages nationwide, proving that even our airspace has a taste for theatrics.

In 2024, CAP took on the hero’s journey 301 times in aircraft intercept missions — because who wouldn’t want to be a part of a near-daily airspace ballet? The show must go on!

During these typical exercises, the spotlight is on one or two Civil Air Patrol single-engine aircraft, playing intercept tracks of interest for the starring NORAD fighter jets. CAP’s “low and slow” performance ensures everyone has plenty of time to catch the show. An additional CAP aircraft, dubbed the “high bird,” elevates the drama by relaying radio extravaganzas from air and ground participants alike.

Events like the Super Bowl are often accompanied by the Federal Aviation Administration’s Temporary Flight Restrictions, as they too relish in this festival of imaginary sky contests. General aviation is urged to steer clear, lest they unwittingly stumble upon the grand theatrics.

Acting with all the urgency and sincerity of a dashing superhero team, Civil Air Patrol stands by to help First Air Force rapidly respond to nonmilitary threats domestically in their ever-impressive Defense Support of Civil Authorities capacity. After all, who else can save lives, relieve suffering, and prevent our beloved airspace from ever slipping into monotony?

So, here’s to another year of intrepid CAP performances in the skies. Without them, who would play the vital role of “intercept target” in this annual airspace opera?

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