"escorts"
Interesting chat guys but no one has addressed the original
item. Yes,it is happening.My outfit has been intercepted twice since christmas to my knowledge.In both cases, northbound over France from Africa, on flight plan, on track and in normal RT communication with ATC, ie, no abnormal circumstances.
This kind of behavior is irresponsible and Europe is in danger of following the Americans down the 'gung ho' trail where normal, safe practice can be thrown away and the police, military and politicians allowed to do largely as they wish in the name of freedom and the fight against terrorism. By all means intercept and investigate an aircraft under 'suspicion' but lets keep things sensible.It is , without question, dangerous to put aircraft in close proximity to each other on a regular basis and even more so if only one pilot knows about it !Just as the police have come to be viewed as the 'enemy' by motorists, the security services and their various departments could alienate aircrew and lose a source of potentialy valuable and experienced, front line help.