An air traffic controller scolded a Spirit Airlines pilot in a stern message after the pilot got too close to Air Force One with President Donald Trump on board.
"Pay attention, Spirit 1300. Turn 20 degrees right now..." the air traffic controller in New York Center says to the Spirit Flight 1300 pilot in audio played live on CNN on Wednesday. "Pay attention. Spirit 1300, traffic is off of your left wing by eight miles. 747. I'm sure you can see who it is. Keep an eye out for him, he's white and blue. Pay attention, get off the iPad."
The iPad reference, CNN aviation correspondent Pete Muntean reports, is important. The pilot was not looking at memes, Muntean joked, but instead pilots use the technology to navigate and for other functions in the air.
Muntean also added that air traffic controllers are under a lot of stress with mandatory six to eight weeks of 12-hour shifts.
The FAA issued a statement:
"The FAA is aware of social media posts about Air Force One and a Spirit Airlines flight in Boston airspace on Tuesday, Sept. 16. Required separation was maintained between the aircraft."
Trump was heading to the U.K. on Air Force One ahead of a state visit.